Peta Hiku is free to play in the Pacific Championships for New Zealand after overturning his bizarre five-match ban at the English Super League judiciary.
Hiku had been at risk of missing New Zealand's entire campaign, after being charged for checking on an injured player during the Super League grand final.
The Kiwi centre had been hit with a Grade E ban, for making "unnecessary contact with a player who is or may be injured".
Hiku had found himself in hot water after briefly lifting Wigan forward Junior Nsemba's shoulder after a heavy tackle and calling for medical assistance.
The charge was deemed the second-most serious level in the English game, and carried with it a three- to five-match ban for the former Manly, Warriors and North Queensland outside back.
But Hiku was able to overturn it at the Super League judiciary on Tuesday night, freeing him to play for the Kiwis and start next season at Hull KR.
His win comes as a massive boost to the Kiwis, who were already facing an availability crisis ahead of the Pacific Championships.
