- Peta Hiku is facing a lengthy ban over injury incident
- Could be ruled out of playing for New Zealand
Peta Hiku is at risk of being banned for New Zealand’s entire Pacific Championships campaign over a bizarre charge from the Super League grand final.
The former NRL star was on Monday referred straight to the Super League judiciary, after he touched the arm of an injured player while checking on his welfare.
But Hiku has been shown no compassion over the act, charged with ‘making ‘unnecessary contact with a player who is or may be injured’.
If found guilty, the former Manly, Warriors and North Queensland back would be suspended for between three and five matches.
The ban would also be taken into the Pacific Championships, and rule Hiku out of the entire tournament for the Kiwis.
The Hull KR centre’s charge comes after he moved the shoulder of Wigan’s Junior Nsemba after the forward appeared to be knocked out in a tackle.
After being involved in the hit, Hiku appeared to briefly lift Nsemba’s shoulder to look at his face, before immediately calling for medical help.
Nsemba was taken from the field, but passed a HIA to later return.
Peta Hiku (second from left) is facing a lengthy ban after being referred to the tribunal for touching the shoulder of Wigan’s Junior Nsemba (with ball) after he was hurt in a big hit
A ban would rule Hiku (pictured carrying the ball in the Super League grand final) out of international duties for New Zealand at the upcoming Pacific Championships
New Zealand are already facing an availability crisis for the Pacific Championships, ahead of their first game against Australia on November 27 in Christchurch.
Shaun Johnson has been called out of retirement to replace the injured Jahrome Hughes, while Hiku had become the first call-up from the Super League since 2017.
Keano Kini, Casey McLean and Will Warbrick are among the uncapped backs already in the Kiwis’ squad.
Meanwhile, former Parramatta Eels star Jarryd Hayne Fiji’s team for rugby league’s upcoming Pacific Championship, just four months after he was released from jail when his rape conviction was quashed.
The 36-year-old will act as a mentor for the side after being invited into their camp for the tournament, which begins on Friday.
Hayne played 120 matches for Fiji from 2008 to 2018 and also played five games for the nation’s rugby union Sevens team, and described his new position as ‘awesome’ on Monday.
Former Parramatta Eels star Jarryd Hayne has returned to top-flight footy by joining Fiji’s team for rugby league’s upcoming Pacific Championship
‘On the way to the airport yesterday, watching that documentary from the ’08 [Rugby League World Cup] squad following us in the village, it’s been a long journey … 16 to 17 years,’ he said.
‘From army barracks, to now we’re in five-star hotels. We’ve come a long way. It’s always good to reminisce.’
Fiji coach Wise Kativerata contacted Hayne after he was released from jail and the appointment developed from there.
‘I rang him just to talk to him and see how he was going,’ Kativerata told the Sydney Morning Herald.
‘I wanted to make sure he was OK. He was happy to hear from us.
‘After a while I told him about rugby league in Fiji and how it really needed a lift.
‘Then I asked him to come along and help with the team because I knew it would be good for him and good for us.
‘At first he thought I was joking.’
The NRL has approved Hayne’s job with the team.
