With Jarryd Hayne putting his focus on the State of Origin, his journey has been described by rugby league pundits as the man who went to hell and back.
Since his last appearance for the Vodafone Fiji Bati in 2009, Hayne has played 20 Origins for NSW, 12 Tests for Australia, eight NFL matches for San Francisco 49ers and represented Fiji in the World Rugby Sevens Series at Twickenham last May.
Hayne who played for the Fiji Bati at the 2008 World Cup is keen to do so again but he may be forced to choose between representing his heritage and country of birth if Australia coach Mal Meninga wants him in the Kangaroos squad.
Now the 29‑year‑old has the opportunity to go full circle in his representative career as rugby league’s new international eligibility rules enable players who qualify for more than one country to choose a second‑tier nation if not selected by Australia, New Zealand or England.
The Fiji Bati officials are confident Hayne will be involved in their campaign to make the final after being eliminated at the semi‑final stage of the last two World Cups but the Gold Coast superstar wants to focus on Origin before making any commitment.
Hayne’s last Origin appearance was in 2014 when NSW ended the Maroons eight year domination of the series and despite his remarkable effort to win an NFL contract without having previously played the game, he described that achievement as the pinnacle of his sporting career.
Another big name who has raised his hand to play for the Bati at the World Cup is Eels winger Semi Radradra.
The Fiji Bati is pooled with USA, Wales and Italy at the Rugby League World Cup which will be held on October and November in Australia and New Zealand.
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