Canterbury Bulldogs forward Viliame Kikau has been ruled out of the Vodafone Fiji Bati squad for the Rugby League World Cup due to injury.
The Bati have named a number of players from the NRL and Super League Competitions including Wests Tigers duo Apisai Koroisau and Sunia Turuva, Dolphins hooker Kurt Donoghoe, and Bradford Bulls centre Waqa Blake.
Other players include South Sydney Rabbitohs Bayleigh Bentley-Hape, Apenisa Driti, Kitione Kautoga, Elijah Keung, Josese Lanyon, Jordan Leiu, Joseph Litidamu, Kylan Mafoa, Taane Milne, Caleb Navale, Jimmy Ngutlik, Ronald Philitoga, Mitchell Prest, Emosi Ravosai, Jacob Saifiti, Solomone Sauturuku, Semi Valemei, Brandon Wakeham and Jordan Miller.
Kikau's absence will be a blow for the side given his experience and impact at international level.
The Rugby League World Cup will kick off next Thursday with Australia facing New Zealand at 9.05pm.
The Bati's first match will be against Cook Islands at 5.05pm next Sunday at the McDonald Jones Stadium in New Castle, they will then take on Australia at 9.05pm on the 25th, before facing New Zealand at 4.30pm on the 31st of this month.
