Hull KR star Peta Hiku on emotions when 5-game ban threatened Kiwi call-up

Hull KR star centre Peta Hiku has explained his thought process when he was threatened with a controversial five-game ban that was set to derail his international hopes and dreams.

After Wigan Warriors defeated Hull KR 9-2 at Old Trafford in the Grand Final, there was shock and surprise when the disciplinary news came that the centre had been charged with a Grade E offence.

Grade E offences carry sanctioning guidelines of three to five matches with Hiku charged for ‘making unnecessary contact with a player who is or may be injured’, something that had consistently seen four-match bans in the past two seasons.

It was a prospective ban that meant heartbreak for Hiku who had become the first Super League player to be called up to represent New Zealand since 2017. It was a call-up that saw the 31-year-old acting like a ‘little kid’, he’s admitted when speaking to NRL media.

“When I got the call, I was just blushing and had that little kid feeling and butterflies inside me,” the Hull KR man explained ahead of this weekend’s game against Australia, adding: “was keen as for it and now that I’m here, I’m very excited about it.”

However, it almost did not happen.

‘No way’ – How Hull KR man reacted to controversial ban

That’s because of the highly controversial Grade E charge brought against him after Hiku moved Junior Nsemba’s shoulder whilst the Wigan man lay prone, seemingly to check if the 20-year-old was conscious.

The RFL have strict rules on touching injured players with understandable fear and concern over causing further injury, specifically if there is a spinal issue.

However, the decision to charge Hiku caused outrage given the clear good nature of the Hull KR man. That was then vindicated at an Operational Rules Tribunal where the verdict found him not guilty.

The RFL explained that Hiku showed ‘genuine concern’, adding: “He was first on the scene and was best placed to decide whether the medics were required. He was gentle, he was instinctive. He was caring and as soon as he realised that help was needed, he moved away.”

For Hiku, there was huge relief that the ban was not upheld and he’s spoken on that, explaining his thoughts and feelings throughout the whole process.

“Initially when I first heard, I thought it (the ban) was for the tackle in general and I was asking if we can fight it or whatever,” the Hull KE man explained.

“Then after a bit more information came out and I found out what it was for and I was like ‘No way is it coming down to that’.

“At this age, this could be my last time playing for the country so that was the really disappointing thing about it.

“Once it got sorted, I was jumping on that plane and getting over there.”

He’s now expected to line up against Australia with New Zealand looking to make it back-to-back victories against their oldest foe after last year’s incredible 30-0 Pacific Championship victory.