Jarryd Hayne ‘Jailed But Not Forgotten’

Fijian Bati rugby league senior team officials are going to visit Jarryd Hayne at the Cooma Correctional Centre in New South Wales, Australia, in April.

This was confirmed to SUNsports yesterday by Bati head coach, Jo­saia Rabele.

Hayne, a National Rugby League (NRL) star was jailed for five years nine months in 2021 for sexual as­sault.

Rabele said although they did not condone what Hayne was found guilty of, they are there to encour­age him to move on in life.

“We want Hayne to know that we will never forget him,” he said.

“Whatever, he (Hayne) suffered, we want to show him that we are there to help him turn a new leaf in life. We want to give him hope and put back that smile on his face.”

Rabele said Bati manager Tevita Korosaya and chaplain, Pastor Ilai­tia Tagituamua are accompanying him to Australia.

“This April we are definitely go­ing to visit Hayne after we missed out last year due to COVID restric­tions.” he said.

Rabele also indicated that they want to thank Hayne for his time, commitment, love and passion for representing Fiji at the 2008 and 2018 Rugby League World Cups.

“I will also want to thank Hayne for always responding to Fiji’s call whenever we needed him. We’ve been remembering Hayne in our prayers. We have to keep on praying and believing in God.

We felt that we need to meet Hayne in person so he knows that we are always there for him and his family.”

Rabele said as a Bati culture, they don’t use players and forget them when they get into trouble or some­thing bad happens to them.

“We don’t ignore or completely forget them,” he added.

Rabele said Pastor Tagituimua had already spoken to Hayne.

“Pastor Tagi has assured him that God allows things like this to happen, so he has to keep follow­ing what God has set-up for him. I thank Pastor Tagi for encouraging him with those words.”

 Feedback: simione.haravanua@fijisun.com.fj