BAYLEIGH Bentley-Hape is determined to make the most of his opportunity with the Vodafone Fiji Bati, with learning from former Fijian rugby league superstar Jarryd Hayne a major part of his development.
The South Sydney Rabbitohs utility back is relishing the opportunity to train alongside Hayne, whose impact on Fiji’s rise in international rugby league remains significant.
For Bentley-Hape, the chance to learn from a player who starred in the NRL and helped Fiji reach the 2008 Rugby League World Cup semi-finals is an opportunity to accelerate his development.
“Jarryd Hayne, he’s been the best player for Fiji for how many years now,” Bentley-Hape said.
“To be able to be here and camp with him and pick at his brain. We obviously play the same position as well, so to be able to pick at his brain and take some of his skills and try to insert it into my game as well.”
Hayne made an immediate impact at the 2008 World Cup, scoring two tries in Fiji’s 42-6 victory over France.
He finished the tournament with three tries in four appearances as the Bati progressed to the semi-finals.
Bentley-Hape has now begun writing his own international story, starting at fullback in Fiji’s 40-12 victory over the Cook Islands in their World Cup opener.
The youngster made a promising contribution, running for 132 metres from 17 carries, recording a line break and providing a try assist.
His performance was an encouraging start after a frustrating season at club level, where injury restricted him to one NRL appearance for South Sydney.
Having made his NRL debut last year and played nine matches for the Rabbitohs, Bentley-Hape is eager to regain confidence and establish himself at the highest level before joining the Manly Sea Eagles next season.
With his mother being Fijian, representing the Bati also gives him an opportunity to honour his family’s heritage while learning from the experienced players around him.
“I’m just excited to learn off all them boys,” he said.
As Fiji prepare for their next challenge against Australia, Bentley-Hape will be looking to build on his encouraging debut and turn the lessons learned from Hayne and his team-mates into performances that help the Bati maintain their momentum.
