Hull KR feel they have a true point of difference in their forward pack in Tevita Pangai Jr with Willie Peters giving a glowing verdict of the former State of Origin man after his destructive debut against York Knights.
Having initially signed for Warrington Wolves for 2026, that move fell through with the forward playing rugby union in France for a period of time, however, he’s now back in Super League and even though he’s not 100% fit, he’s still a handful.
York Knights found that out as they couldn’t contain the Australian who managed to get off three offloads and drew so much defensive attention that Hull KR were often able to punish the Knights off the back of his carries.
Asked why the club feel he can be a point of difference, Peters explained in his mid-week presser: “He gives aggression. He’s a player that other players don’t enjoy playing against because he is aggressive and he’s a big body.
“When he hits you, he’s going to hurt, and when he carries the ball, he’s going to hurt you as well. He’s just got that little bit about him that, as I say, that aside from the size of him, that other players don’t enjoy playing against.”
He added: “I think it’s about him really reaching his full potential, which he’s given himself a chance now at our club.
“He’s come here with the right attitude and doing all the right things so he’s heading in the right direction.”
Sir Kevin Sinfield, play-off race heats up and who can stop Wigan Warriors? – Click here to watch the latest episode of the Serious About Rugby League Show.
Hull KR boss expecting best to come as fitness challenge set for TPJ
Fulfilling his potential means getting Super League fit and Peters has explained what that means for the 30-year-old.
Peters confirmed: “He’s doing extras. He likes his boxing, so he’s doing a bit of boxing. He had a calf issue when he first arrived, so he was sort of limited to what he could do.
“People talk about nutrition and food’s the most important in terms of weight loss and obviously how hard you train complements that. He’s eating the right things and he’s in a good spot.
“As I said, we’re going to see him in a better spot in about four or five weeks once he gets a feel for the place.”
The Hull KR coach also explained that such a strong debut has already heightened expectations for what Pangai Jr can bring to the Robins pack, stating: “I think there’s a bit of expectation there now from the way he performed the other night. He helped change the momentum of the game. They couldn’t handle him.
“He had his offloads and good strong carries. He had three or four bodies on him when he did play the ball, which obviously helped then with the next play.
“He found passes and we want our middles passing to each other and he comes in and did that. So, look, I thought it was a really positive start for him and he’ll improve but I think the fans now, they’re excited. I really enjoyed seeing them clap and cheer him on when he went on the field and obviously they appreciated what he did when he went off it.”
The initial deal that the powerful forward signed was only until the end of the 2026 season meaning that Pangai Jr is off-contract and can therefore speak with rival clubs about a deal for 2027.
On the prop’s future, Peters admitted: “I can’t answer that. It’s a question that he may be able to help you with.
“All I’m focussing on now is helping him become the best player he can be at our club. If he stays here, then that’s great, but that’ll be up to the next coach to decide and it’ll be up to Tevita if he wants to stay here or he wants to look at other options.
“My job, though, is to help him be the best player he can be this year and that’s what I’m looking forward to doing, along with the other staff.”
