Gold Coast fullback Jarryd Hayne has been named by Fiji for the Rugby League World Cup, with the squad featuring a host of current and former NRL players.
Hayne played for Fiji at the 2008 World Cup before switching allegiance to Australia for 2013.
Melbourne grand final-winning winger Suliasi Vunivalu joins Hayne in a strong Fijian line-up.
Also in the squad are Manly’s Apisai Koroisau and Akuila Uate, and the Sims brothers, Korbin from Brisbane and Ashton from Super League’s Warrington Wolves.
The Wests Tigers’ Kevin Naiqama will captain the team.
Fiji are coached by former Wests Tigers, Bradford, St Helens and Catalans Dragons boss Mick Potter.
They will play the United States, Wales and Italy in their group games, aiming to reach the semi-finals for the third-successive time.
Fiji Squad
Kane Evans (Sydney Roosters)
Salesi Faingaa (Parramatta)
Jarryd Hayne (Gold Coast)
Tui Kamikamica (Melbourne)
Villiame Kikau (Penrith)
Apisai Koroisau (Manly)
Joe Lovadua (St George-Illawarra)
Henry Raiwalui (Mounties RLFC)
Taane Milne (St George-Illawarra)
Sitiveni Moceidreke (South Sydney)
Marcelo Montoya (Canterbury)
Kevin Naiqama (capt) (Wests Tigers)
Ben Nakubuwai (Gold Coast)
Mikaele Ravalawa (Canberra)
Junior Roqica (London Broncos)
Jacob Saifiti (Newcastle)
Ashton Sims (Warrington Wolves)
Korbin Sims (Brisbane)
Pio Seci (Nabua Broncos)
James Storer (Port Kembla Blacks)
Akuila Uate (Manly)
Eloni Vunakece (Sydney Roosters)
Suliasi Vunivalu (Melbourne)
Brayden Wiliame (Catalans Dragons)
Etuate Bola, standby replacement (Nabua Broncos)
Gus O
Guest
Hayne was brilliant at centre for Australia in the last world cup (?? in the UK), making line breaks at will. He could have easily been chosen for man-of-match in two games, both ahead of Thursten who consequently won golden boot award. Centre is his pathway back to rep footy for NSW and Australia - if he has the motivation. He wont be playing in the halves for NSW, and unlikely to play fullback ahead of Tedesco or Tommy Turbo. I guess he will have significant say in what position he plays for Fiji, but his physical condition might influence the role he wants to play.
Albo
Guest
I think Blake is still injured ? Another handy Pacific Island side just like Tonga & Samoa with a strong pack and big outside backs. But like the others they are also lacking play makers around the 6 & 7 . Maybe Hayne might be their option there ?
Oto shark
Guest
Don't know why Waqa Blake and Jason bukuya not picked,they would be close to being their best players .
Joe
Roar Rookie
Best Fiji team I've seen. Still weak in the halves though. The forwards look like they might be able to match it and the outside backs have some real strike power. Hayne should play 6 as there are a lot of outside backs in that team and Kevin can play fullback. Good to see a lot of young up and comers in the team...can show their wares on an international stage against the best in the NRL.