Hayne fears physicality of PNG ‘beasts’

Parramatta Eels and Australia full-back Jarryd Hayne does not seem to be too disappointed to be missing out on playing for the Australian Prime Minister’s XIII this weekend in Papua New Guinea.

The Kumuls are set to tussle with the Australians in Kokopo on Saturday, with many of the Kangaroos looking to claim places in the forthcoming Four Nations.

The Kangaroos have been struck by a long list of injuries, with nine first choice stars set to miss this year’s international tournament.

And Hayne is pleased that his body does not have to take any physical punishment in PNG.

“They’re beasts, you know,” he told Australian media.

“That’s probably the most physical game that you can play on an international scale.

“It’s like the closest thing you get to going to war – they don’t hold anything back, I tell you that much.

“[If] they want to put a shot on, that’s it. They’re getting better every year and the way they’re built as well: very low to the ground, very strong and it’s always a tough game.”