Can you tell why this NRL great is in deep trouble for a seemingly innocent act in English rugby league’s biggest game?
- Peta Hiku risks a long-term ban due to an injury incident
- He may be ruled out playing for New Zealand
Peta Hiku is at risk of being ruled out of New Zealand’s entire Pacific Championships campaign following a bizarre attack during the Super League grand final.
The former NRL star was referred directly to the Super League judiciary on Monday after touching an injured player’s arm while checking on his welfare.
But Hiku has shown no mercy for the act and has been accused of making ‘unnecessary contact with a player who is or may be injured’.
If found guilty, the former Manly, Warriors and North Queensland defender would be banned for three to five matches.
The ban would also carry over into the Pacific Championships and ban Hiku from the entire tournament for the Kiwis.
The Hull KR center’s strike comes after he moved the shoulder of Wigan’s Junior Nsemba after the striker appeared to have been knocked out during a tackle.
After being involved in the hit, Hiku appeared to briefly lift Nsemba’s shoulder to look at his face, before immediately seeking medical attention.
Nsemba was taken off the field but passed a HIA only to return later.
Peta Hiku (second from left) faces a long-term ban after being referred to the tribunal for touching the shoulder of Wigan’s Junior Nsemba (with ball) after being injured in a big hit
A ban would rule Hiku (pictured with the ball in the Super League grand final) from international duties for New Zealand at the upcoming Pacific Championships
New Zealand is already facing an availability crisis for the Pacific Championships ahead of their first match 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 Super League call-up since 2017.
Keano Kini, Casey McLean and Will Warbrick are among the uncapped backs already in the Kiwis’ squad.
Meanwhile, former Parramatta Eels player Jarryd Hayne will play Fiji’s team in the upcoming rugby league Pacific Championship, just four months after he was released from prison when his rape conviction was quashed.
The 36-year-old will act as a mentor to the side after being invited to their camp for the tournament, which starts on Friday.
Hayne played 120 games for Fiji from 2008 to 2018 and also played five games for the Sevens national rugby team. He described his new position on Monday as “great.”
Former Parramatta Eels star Jarryd Hayne has returned to top flight football by joining the Fiji team for rugby league’s upcoming Pacific Championship
“On the way to the airport yesterday, watching that documentary from ’08 [Rugby League World Cup] team following us in the village, it has been a long journey… 16 to 17 years,” he said.
‘From barracks to now we are 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 prison and the appointment developed from there.
“I called him to talk to him and see how he was doing,” Kativerata told the Sydney Morning Herald.
“I wanted to make sure he was okay. He was happy to hear from us.
‘After a while I told him about the 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 for us.
“At first he thought I was joking.”
The NRL has approved Hayne’s employment with the team.