Hull KR boss Willie Peters has commented on Sauaso’s Sue’s one-match ban, whilst also revealing that Tevita Pangai Jr will make his debut for the club this week.
The Robins will be looking to put an end to their run of two straight defeats as they take on York Knights at Craven Park.
The Knights pulled off arguably the biggest upset win in Super League history in round one, defeating the Robins in the opening game of the 2026 season via a drop goal from Ata Hingano.
KR would then earn their revenge in the Challenge Cup quarter-finals, where they secured a 48-10 win to dump Mark Applegarth’s side out of the competition.
This week, you’d expect the Robins to be comfortable winners yet again, and they will be bolstered on Friday night by Pangai Jr, who will make his first appearance for the club.
Signing in mid-May, the former Catalans and NRL man will line-up for Peters’ side, with a space in the side vacant due to the suspended Sue.
Dean Hadley will also return after completing his return-to-play protocols after failing a HIA in the Challenge Cup Final.
Commenting on Pangai Jr, the Robins boss said to the press earlier today: “Tevita will play this week if all goes well within the week.
He’s going to take time to build, but looking forward to what he can bring. I know what Tevita can bring to a footy team, to a rugby team, and I’ve seen it firsthand.
“I was involved with Tevita at a younger age with the New South Wales rep teams, 18s levels and 20s levels, and he’s certainly gone on and reached really high levels of the game.
“He’s a player that, has he reached his full potential? He has shown that at times, but I know and I strongly believe that he can help the back end of the year. We can help him, and he can certainly help us.”
Hull KR boss gives verdict on Sauaso Sue ban as contract hint dropped
As mentioned, the reason why Pangai Jr will play this week is largely down to the one-match suspension picked up by prop Sauaso Sue.
The 34-year-old caught Tray Lolesio high in last week’s defeat to Wakefield Trinity, and was sent off as a result.
Ultimately, that sending off is what caused him to only pick up a one-match ban rather than a two, with penalty points being knocked off any charge if a red card is awarded.
Peters says the club have no complaints about the charge hnanded to their veteran forward.
“We accept it. As I said, after the game it was out of character, he got it wrong, ‘Jess’. We accept the week.
“…Jesse’s a massive part of what we do. He’s so important to our squad. The way he starts the game, what he does in and around the place.
“I’ve spoken many times about how we appreciate him, and I appreciate him as coach and what he does for this team.
“He was one of the first [signings], I brought him over at the time. Initially, we thought it was going to be a two, three-year sort of deal, and then he’s extended, and who knows, the big fella might go around again next year, you know, deservedly so.”
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