Peta Hiku gets one over Hull KR team mate as centre impresses for New Zealand

Peta Hiku earned the international bragging rights over Hull KR team mate Rhyse Martin as New Zealand thrashed Papua New Guinea. The two Rovers players were on opposing sides as their respective nations battled it out in the Pacific Championships for the right to play in the top tier of the competition next year.

It was the Kiwis who prevailed, storming to a huge 54-12 victory as they ended a disappointing campaign on a high. The game belonged to teenage debutant Casey McLean, who scored four tries in an hour to cap an exceptional start to his international career.

Hiku, who has played every game for the Kiwis during the campaign, proved a handful for the Kumuls, averaging over 12 metres per carry, producing three offloads and a try assist. He created the final try of the game, making half a break before offloading to Jamayne Isaako, who completed his hat-trick.

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READ MORE:Hull KR's Rhyse Martin singled out by PNG boss Jason Demetriou after Pacific Championships

As for Martin, the back-rower, a new signing from Leeds Rhinos, he kicked two goals from as many attempts in what was a difficult afternoon for a Papua New Guinean side, who got on the scoreboard through Castleford Tigers prop Sylvester Namo. The side had a healthy amount of Super League representation with Nene Macdonald, Rodrick Tai, Lachlan Lam, Liam Horne and Judah Rimbu also featuring.

The pair will be given an extended leave of absence from Rovers pre-season training, with their season only effectively ending today. As a result, neither will be in attendance when Rovers' first-team squad reports back to Craven Park at the start of December.

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