FORMER Wakefield and Bradford winger Semi Tadulala has been credited with turning a wayward Jarryd Hayne into the world’s best rugby league player.
The pair forged a close relationship during Fiji’s remarkable World Cup campaign, the foundations of which were built on religion, and they have spent much time together in Leeds this week in the build-up to Saturday’s Gillette Four Nations final.
Hayne, the NRL’s Dally M award winner who was crowned international player of the year on Monday night, is expected to be on the right wing for Australia against England at Elland Road, but it was his exploits with Fiji that helped transform his career.
The Parramatta full-back never looked back after finding God with the help of Tadulala and the rest of the Fijiians during their run to the semi-finals of the World Cup 12 months ago.
“It’s been a massive year and full credit goes to Fiji and what happened in that tournament,” said Hayne, whose Fijiian father Manoa Thompson had a spell with Warrington in the 1990s.
“Semi is one of the blokes who gave me a lot of support and I’ve caught up with him heaps since I’ve been in Leeds. He’s done wonders with me. Whenever I’m stuck or confused, Semi is always there for me, he’s been awesome.”
Hayne admitted that he was a reluctant Christian when he first joined the Fijiian camp in preparation for the World Cup but put their shock 42-6 win over France down to his faith.
