A World Cup semi-final for Fiji against Australia, the team he won the World Cup with four years ago, and the team whose coach, Mal Meninga, has publicly declared on several occasions that Hayne was no longer good enough to be considered for a Kangaroos jersey.

The much-maligned Hayne has played a crucial role for the Bati at this year's World Cup, pulling the strings at five-eighth and helping Fiji orchestrate last weekend's quarter-final boilover against New Zealand.

And he united the group further still this week when sharing his journey of faith openly with his teammates.

He tends to thrive in World Cup semi-finals, too. This time four years ago he scored three tries to depose Fiji in Australia's thumping 64-0 win.

Much water has flowed under the bridge since, and Hayne has been around the globe pursuing myriad sporting interests – American football with the San Francisco 49ers and rugby union sevens with Fiji – but the lure of the NRL brought him back.

And after a largely indifferent season for the Gold Coast Titans, playing for Fiji is helping him rediscover his form.

"He's been unreal for us, he definitely brings a lot of experience to our side and he's been steering us around the park really well," Fiji captain Kevin Naiqama said.

"He's buying into the structures the coaching staff have put in place and he's just been awesome. His faith has really brought him leaps and bounds in this tournament and he's been open and sharing about that as well.

"I've been his roomie pretty much this whole campaign and he's an awesome bloke, I've gotten to know him and the relationship's definitely grown between us too.

"It's just good to know the person behind what you [the media] portray of him, he's definitely not that guy, he's a real team player and it's great to spend some time with him this camp."

It's a view shared by Fiji coach Mick Potter, who put a lot of faith in Hayne at the start of the tournament by selecting him at five-eighth.

"Jarryd's a good player and he certainly makes our team better and I'm happy he's playing with Fiji," Potter said.

"He's been no trouble at all, he's really good with the other boys. He understands the game, he helps, he contributes in video sessions and he's been really positive. I can't speak highly enough of him."

Australia aren't so foolish to think that shutting down Hayne is how to beat Fiji.

That discredits their powerful forward pack, and a backline including Naiqama, Suliasi Vunivalu and Akuila Uate.

But Meninga expects Hayne will have a point to prove, so expect the Kangaroos to invest plenty of energy into stifling his attacking influence.

"He's their control man, Fiji's getting through their sets and he's putting a good kick in or controlling the ends of sets really well," Meninga said.

"He can play anywhere, Jarryd. He can play one, he can play centre, wing, which he does at rep level, and six for Fiji.

"He's that type of player, he's a great individual, a great talent and he can play a number of positions. He wasn't playing well enough to make our squad."