Hull KR head coach has fielded questions on reports linking the club to ex-Super League man Tevita Pangai Jr, whilst also talking up two key off-contract forwards.
The link to Tevita Pangai Jr is one that came a while ago initially but was dismissed at the time, however, fresh reports from Love Rugby League have suggested the former Catalans Dragons man will sign with Hull KR.
Pangai Jr has had a mixed few years in that he was playing at the very top of the sport, earning a State of Origin call-up in 2023 before then quitting rugby league to take up boxing. He’s quickly return to the NRL but only on a short-term basis, signing with Catalans Dragons for 2025 before then seeing a move to Warrington Wolves fall through for 2026.
Since then, the 30-year-old has been playing rugby union in France but will reportedly be playing rugby league in east Hull very soon, though Willie Peters refused to comment on those prospects but did note that recruitment is dictated by players’ desire for game time.
He said: “We’ve got nothing to share at the moment. The only thing I’ll say is recruitment is ongoing, and the reason for that is obviously players want to play more time.
“There are times when players want to leave, and there are times when the club want to bring people in as well.”
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Hull KR boss talks key off-contract pair
Pushed further on what Pangai Jr could add to Hull KR should a move originate, Peters was staunch as he said: “There’s no point talking about it because there’s nothing to tell at the moment. We’ll give the fans and supporters the information once we’ve got it, or if we’ve got it.”
Of course, there is the key question of who exactly is in charge of recruitment at present given the fact Peters will not be at Hull KR next year and he pointed to CEO Paul Lakin sharing that responsibility with the incoming coach, who Lakin previously stated could be announced in May.
Addressing recruitment, and more importantly retention, Peters said: “There’s only a couple of spots there at the moment, renewals in terms of Jesse Sue and Rhyse Martin, that the club need to look at.
“Both are playing well. Jesse’s still on top of his game and Rhyse is back in and playing well again.
“The new coach, when he comes in, will obviously have the say in that. I’ll obviously, if asked, certainly give feedback but yeah, it’s Paul Lakin and the new coach who will look after that.”
Sue and Martin are two of five off-contract players alongside Jack Brown, who has previously been linked to Castleford Tigers, as well as young prop Zach Fishwick and outside back Lee Kershaw.
