Hayne headlines injury hit Bati squad

Kikau, Sims ruled out while Jayson Bukuya makes comeback

Jarryd Hayne will headline the Vodafone Fijian Bati squad still brimming with backline firepower despite several injury blows ahead of next Saturday’s Pacific Test clash against Papua New Guinea.

Hayne will feature at five-eighth for the Bati after successfully returning from injury with two tries for Parramatta last weekend, while Wests Tigers Kevin Naiqama will captain the side in a back five that also includes prolific try scorers Suliasi Vunivalu and Akuila Uate.

Bati’s forward stocks have copped a battering since their giant killing run at the last World Cup, with Viliame Kikau (knee), Korbin Sims ( broken jaw) and Api Koroisau and Daniel Saifiti (foot injuries) unavailable. Cronulla lock Jayson Bukuya does return to the side however, with Eels big man Kane Evans also providing size and experience up front for the Campbelltown Stadium fixture.

1. Kevin Naiqama (c), 2. Suliasi Vunivalu, 3. Akuila Uate, 4. Tyrone Phillips, 5. Marcelo Montoya, 6. Jarryd Hayne, 7. Henry Raiwalui,

8. Kane Evans, 9. Joe Lovodua, 10. Tui Kamikamica,

11. King Vuniyayawa, 12. Salesi Junior Fainga’a, 13. Jayson Bukuya. 14. Eloni Vunakece, 15. Pio Seci, 16. Sitiveni Moceidreke, 17. Pio Sokobalavu, 18. Mikaele Ravalawa, 19. Junior Roqica.