Hull KR’s Cook Islander international, Brad Takairangi, recently arrived at the club on a two year contract after rejecting various offers Down Under.
Though the Robins finished 2020 bottom of the pile, and many are tipping them for a similar run this season, Takairangi believes the club are capable of much more.
“I love that everyone has been writing us off. No one is giving us a chance, which is awesome,” he admitted.
“The only thing that matters is the people in between our organisation and we have been ripping into training.
“I have also been watching the boys train from overseas as well and I really like what I have seen from them.
“I am really looking forward to the new season and hopefully, we can surprise a few people.”
Takairangi is one of a quartet to arrive from the NRL this season along with Ryan Hall, Albert Vete and Korbin Sims.
Though he is enjoying life with his new teammates, he is excited to go up against former colleagues, who are now littered around various other clubs in the Super League.
He added, “I think we have a great mix of youth, some really hard workers.
“We have a great mixture of power with Korbin Sims and Albert Vete coming in so it’s exciting times for us.
“As for the start of the season, I have a couple of mates in the Catalans team I am excited to face.
“Jimmy Maloney and Dean Whare plus Sam Kasiano. We will have our hands full come round one but it will give us a good opportunity to see where we are at as a team.”
However, what arguably appeals to Takairangi more so is a Hull derby day clash with former team mate and captain at Parramatta Eels Manu Ma’u.
“Manu is a great mate of mine,” Takairangi said.
“Our families are very close and they have helped us settle in but once we get on to the field, there will be no mates on the field at all.”
