PETA Hiku marked his return to the New Zealand side with a hat-trick of tries in a 74-6 win against Scotland at Christchurch Stadium.

Hiku, who played a huge part in Warrington Wolves' Super League survival effort earlier this year, lined up against his former Wire right-flank partner Matty Russell.

But there was little Russell could do to prevent Hiku's scores as the Kiwis consistently created overlaps.

It was the first time the 24-year-old had scored for his country.

Hiku, who had last played for the Kiwis at stand off on their tour of England in 2015, will play for New Zealand Warriors in the NRL next season after his family decided they did not want to make the move to Warrington.