Hayne keen to play for Fiji Bati

FIJI – Jarryd Hayne has put his hand up to play for the Fiji Bati at next year’s Rugby League World Cup.

The 28 year old is back in the NRL after stints with the San Francisco 49ers in the NFL and the Fiji sevens team.

He represented Fiji at the 2008 World Cup and lifted the trophy with the Australian team in 2013.

Fiji coach Mick Potter said Jarryd Hayne told him he was very keen to represent at next year’s World Cup.

“He’s made it clear he would like to participate in the team if he’s picked, for the World Cup. I think he’s away for this particular game against Toa Samoa in Apia next month but he’s very keen – so we will see what happens as the year progresses next year,” he said.

“Certainly for the Fijian team I’d say he’d be at the front of the queue. There might be some other opportunities for him with the Australian team, it just depends on how he’s playing, I suppose, at the time. You’re only as good as your last game sort of thing carries some weight with the Australian team because it’s so competitive.

Proposed changes to league’s eligibility rules could help Fiji’s chances of securing Hayne’s services.

The former Parramatta star has played 20 times for New South Wales and would be expected to walk back into the Blues squad for the 2017 State of Origin campaign.

Under the current rules he would need to declare himself eligible for Australia to be selected for his state but the proposed changes would allow Pacific players to play both State of Origin and for their native Island country. Potter said he would also be open to selecting Fijian flyer Semi Radradra in 2017 if he was overlooked by the Kangaroos.

- RNZI