NRL Rookie of the year Payne Haas

Parramatta Eels players who are part of Australia’s Prime Minister’s 13 squad Clint Gutherson, Nathan Brown, Mitch Moses and Reed Mahoney dropped into teammate Maika Sivo’s village, Momi today.

They met with Sivo’s mum, dad and the rest of his family and signed autographs for kids during the day excursion while in camp with the squad.

A few Eels jerseys were spotted in the group picture, as was Wests Tigers and Knights gear, and they sampled some kava.

The players are in Fiji ahead of the Prime Minister’s 13 game in Suva on Friday.

Sivo and his dad Joeli made headlines back in August after he flew to Sydney, travelling on a plane for the first time, to surprise Maika at Bankwest Stadium.

It was the first time Joeli had seen his son play rugby league in six years.

Sivo, who finished the season as the NRL’s top try-scorer, has been sending money home to his family to help them build a house.

Meanwhile, NRL Rookie of the year Payne Haas will be making his debut for the Australian Prime Minister’s thirteen in this Friday’s Prime Minister’s Challenge.

This is his first time in the country.

The 19-year-old played a remarkable season with the Broncos and is expected to debut for the Kangaroos later this month.

Haas says he is excited to be in Fiji as he has always wanted to travel here.

It was only six years ago that Haas, who was then just entering his teenage years, watched on as his idol Petero Civoniceva finished his decorated career in Fiji colours.

Haas is expected to start at prop for Australia.

The Fiji Prime Minister’s thirteen will take on the Australian Prime Minister’s thirteen at 7.30pm on Friday at the ANZ Stadium.