HAYNE PLANE DIVERTED TO FIJI TEAM
THE Plane has been rerouted to Suva. NRL superstar Jarryd Hayne will today be named in Fiji’s 24-man World Cup squad to represent the Bati for the first time since the Rugby Sevens in 2016.
Overlooked for Kangaroos selection, Hayne and Fiji coach Mick Potter had immediate discussions about having him represent the Pacific nation after stints with them at the 2008 World Cup, and again in a 2009 Test, before his 12 Tests for Australia.
He qualifies for Fiji through his father, Manoa Thompson, a former Souths, Warriors and Wests centre who represented Fiji in 1996.
Hayne, the current Gold Coast and NSW centre, quit the San Francisco 49ers last year in an attempt to qualify for the Fiji Sevens rugby union side at last year’s Olympics.
Potter spoke glowingly about the impact Hayne will have on his Fijian side, which will also include Manly’s Api Koroisau and Brisbane’s Korbin Sims.
“I’ve spoken to Jarryd and he’s keen, he’ll be in our team,” Potter said.
“He will bring us an ability to make something out of nothing, the ability to create an opportunity to score points.
“Those type of players are hard to find in the game right now. He has that X-factor. Simple as that.
“Jarryd has developed into a more mature leader.” He will be good value for our squad.”
Australian coach Mal Meninga couldn’t find a spot for Hayne in his squad, which was announced on Tuesday.
Hayne once describe his 2008 Fijian call-up as the “turning point in his life. It will stick with me forever.”
Fiji play Italy in a World Cup pool match, pitting Hayne against star Tigers fullback James Tedesco.
Hayne has a special affiliation with Fiji. He even has the Fijian logo tattooed on his calf.
The former NFL star embraced the Fijian culture, spirit and passion back in 2008 and jumped at the chance to represent the island nation once again.
“Jarryd likes the way the Fiji team operates,” Potter said.
“He enjoys being in a team where he’s not the superstar, where externally, looking in, you’d say he is the superstar.
“The people around him don’t make him feel like that. He is part of the group and they all treat him the same.
“He feels part of something. That is why the Fijian Bati is a unique team, a unique environment.
“It’s something I have never experienced before until I started coaching here.
“I do feel a lot closer to the players and how they conduct themselves.”
Potter said he was surprised Koroisau didn’t make the Australian squad.
“I was pretty happy he didn’t get picked for Australia. I thought he must have been close to being considered,” Potter said.