Hayne and Sims included in Fiji Bati’s World Cup squad

NRL superstar Jarryd Hayne and Toronto Wolfpack’s new recruit Ashton Sims have been named in the Fiji Bati squad for the 2017 Rugby League World Cup squad.

Hayne will play for the Bati for the first time since the 2008 World Cup while Melbourne Storm’s try-scoring machine Suliasi Vunivalu will also represent the country.

Sims, who has moved to Championship outfit Toronto Wolfpack from Super League’s Warrington Wolves for 2018, played for the Bati in the tournament back in 2013.

Brayen Williame has been one of the best players for Catalans Dragons this season and his impressive performances have earned him a call-up to Mick Potter’s Fiji side.

And Junior Roqica of London Broncos has also been selected for his second World Cup.

The squad includes 18 NRL players, two from Super League and one each from the NSW Cup, Kingstone Press Championship, Illawarra and the Fiji domestic competition.

Fiji Bati 24-man squad: Kane Evans (Sydney Roosters), Salesi Faingaa (Parramatta Eels), Jarryd Hayne (Gold Coast Titans), Tui Kamikamica (Melbourne Storm), Villiame Kikau (Penrith Panthers), Apisai Koroisau (Manly Sea Eagles), Joe Lovadua (St George Illawarra Dragons), Henry Raiwalui (Mounties RLFC), Taane Milne (St George Illawarra Dragons), Sitiveni Moceldreke (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Marcelo Montoya (Canterbury Bulldogs), Kevin Naiqama (Wests Tigers), Ben Nakubuwai (Gold Coast Titans), Mikaele Ravalawa (Canberra Raiders), Junior Roqica (London Broncos), Jacob Saifiti (Newcastle Knights), Ashton Sims (Toronto Wolfpack), Korbin Sims (Brisbane Broncos), Pio Seci (Nabua Broncos), James Storer (Port Kembla Blacks), Akuila Uate (Manly Sea Eagles), Eloni Vunakece (Sydney Roosters), Suliasi Vunivalu (Melbourne Storm), Brayden Williame (Catalans Dragons), Etuate Bola (Nabua Broncos).

Fiji play their first game of the 2017 Rugby League World Cup against the United States on Saturday 28 October.