Hull KR star Peta Hiku has made history after being named to the New Zealand squad for the upcoming Pacific Championships.
The Robins centre has had a standout season back in Super League and that has been recognised by the selectors for New Zealand as they have made the Hull KR man their first Super League call-up since 2017.
That has come in part due to a player shortage but also due to the versatility of the Hull KR man who has had a brilliant first season back in Super League.
Hiku had a brief but impressive spell with Warrington Wolves in the 2017 season but his 2024 campaign has been incredible with the centre scoring 15 tries and assisting 13 others.
His call-up to the New Zealand squad makes him the first man since Thomas Leuluai in 2017 to be called to the Kiwi squad whilst plying their trade in Super League, with Hiku’s own inclusion at that 2017 World Cup coming after negotiating his release from Warrington Wolves.
Before flying down under to compete, Hiku will hope to lift the Grand Final trophy for Hull KR with the Robins set to face Wigan Warriors on Saturday at Old Trafford.
Hull KR star named to New Zealand squad
Several factors have led to Hiku being named to the New Zealand squad and whilst his form certainly plays into it, a number of players being unavailable is the bigger factor.
Two Penrith Panthers players who have made just 16 NRL appearances between them have been named to the squad in the shape of Trent Toelau and Casey McLean but they were just the first of several surprise selections.
Several of the nation’s expected starters such as Kieran Foran, Dylan Brown, Brandon Smith, Moses Leota, Ronaldo Mulitalo and Jeremy Marshall-KIng are all unavailable through injury.
Meanwhile, enforcer Nelson Asofa-Solomona is banned after his controversial five-match ban following the NRL semi-finals, whilst legendary kicker Shaun Johnson has retired.
This means that the New Zealand squad is a completely new-looking squad compared to the one that defeated Australia 30-0 last year in the Pacific Championship.
There is even a change in coach with Michael Maguire having since taken up the New South Wales job and then the Brisbane Broncos job meaning it is Stacey Jones who has called upon Hull KR man Peta Hiku.
The squad in full can be seen below.
Erin Clark, Phoenix Crossland, James Fisher-Harris (capt), Peta Hiku, Jahrome Hughes, Jamayne Isaako, Keano Kini, Casey McLean, Griffin Neame, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Kodi Nikorima, Marata Niukore, Isaiah Papali’i, Jordan Riki, Scott Sorensen, Joseph Tapine, Leo Thompson, Matt Timoko, Trent Toelau, Will Warbrick, Naufahu Whyte