Jarryd Hayne to play for Fiji

[Gronk]

League star opts for Fiji
Jul 25, 2006, 14:22

New Zealand and Australia's hopes of securing 18 year old Parammatta Eels winger Jaryd Hanes for the World Cup squad have been dashed after the youngster opted to play for Fiji.
Former Fiji Bati Coach Shane Morris, has been in contact with the youngster who has indicated his interest in playing his first World Cup for the Bati side.

Audio Comment

Hayne is the son of former Bati vice Captain Manoa Thompson, who played alongside Noa Nadruku, Peni Musunamasi and Alifereti Dere.

At 18, the prolific try scoring machine is within sight of the NRL's top-try scoring award as well as the Rookie-of-the-year award.Haynes recently scored 4 tries helping his Parrmatta team trounce Newcastle Knights 46-12.

© Copyright 2002 Fijivillage.com

http://www.fijivillage.com/artman/publish/article_31269.shtml

 

[Twizzle]

that's odd, he was born here, you'd think he''d want to play for Australia

 

[Stagger eel]

Good on him!!..if that's what he wants to do..Godbless him.

 

[Nickeel]

Good on him, I say. I mean, it would be great to see him in the green and gold one day, but I like the idea that a talented player might for once ignore Aust and NZ to play for a smaller country of ancestry that needs a hand.

Nick

 

[Gronk]

It doesnt effect his eligibility to play for the Kangaroos down the track. Ricko played for Ireland, Sideshow played for USA lol during the last World Cup for example.

 

[damo72]

Willie Mason played for Tonga aswell

 

[Hollywood Jesus]

Yeah I think it's great that a talented player is looking to play for a minor nation. Yes, he can play for either NZ or Aust down the track, but this could do great things for Rugby League and Fiji in the meantime.

 

[Stagger eel]

It doesnt effect his eligibility to play for the Kangaroos down the track. Ricko played for Ireland, Sideshow played for USA lol during the last World Cup for example.

yeah! i knew that but still a great idea for the kid to put his hand up for them.

 

[Utey]

omg, players actually playing for their countries!

Jarryd really has his head screwed on right!

 

[eel4life]

Lote did the same thing so good on him.

 

[Mr. Fahrenheit]

good move by the BAti and by Jarryd... looking forward to 2008 even more.

 

[Perrymatta]

I just keep liking the bloke more and more

 

[Eelementary]

I hope he doesn't play for NZ or Australia. At least, not after playing for Fiji. But that's me.

I reckon it's brilliant that he's opting to help out his spiritual homeland.

 

[Perrymatta]

Does it rule him out of origin?

 

[Utey]

Who cares tbh, Iam real proud he is doing what his doing.

 

[Moggles]

Why don't they make a rule that when you pick your rep country you stick with it.
No wonder Australia kick bum and make it a no contest. As soon as a player gets good they take them from their original rep side.. That is not nurturing international football!

I say good on him for picking Fiji. Now all we need is a proper international calendar that will create oportunities for these countries to play and grow.

 

[Eelementary]

I'm pretty sure he'd be eligiblw for Origin still.

 

[Perrymatta]

Who cares tbh, Iam real proud he is doing what his doing.

I do, and NSW should.

 

[JessEel]

yay!! go fiji!!

 

[Utey]

I do, and NSW should.

The rules of eligibility state that Australians can only play Origin. TBH this is a big reason why the international game is so weak. Tweak the rules so if you play for your country whether it be NZ, Fiji etc you can still play origin.