Tevita Pangai Jr apologises to Hull KR fans as ‘let fans down’ admission made following latest ban

Hull KR forward Tevita Pangai Jr has spoken out for the first time since his latest suspension, sending a message to Robins fans. 

The former Dolphins, Brisbane and Catalans prop only joined Willie Peters’ side in May, and since making his debut in Round 14 against York, has been suspended for a total of 11 games.

Initially copping a six-match ban for an eye gouge on Leeds’ Jake Connor, Pangai Jr lasted just two games before picking up another suspension, and three separate incidents in the Tuesday-night game against Warrington Wolves totalled to another four matches.

Hull KR then opted to appeal the charges, but lost at the Operational Rules Tribunal, and five extra penalty points on the prop’s record means an extra game was added, meaning he will only be allowed to play if his side make the Grand Final.

The 30-year-old only signed a short-term deal at the club, meaning he is without a contract for season 2027. You would expect that he is highly unlikely to extend his stay at Craven Park, given how much time he has spent on the sidelines.

As a result of his actions, Pangai Jr has taken to social media to apologise to the KR fans, who he feels he has let down.

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Tevtia Pangai Jr’s message to Hull KR after latest lengthy suspension

He posted on Instagram: “As I’ve had time to self-reflect and spent sleepless nights thinking about my suspension and mistakes, I know I’ve let you Robins fans down.

“I came here to join a winning culture and recapture the form I had earlier in my career. I came with personal and team goals, and I worked hard to get myself into the shape to perform at the level I did then.

“I’ve done my work during the week with the coaches, studying opposition plays and shapes. So I know what’s coming, and if I can read it, I try to disrupt it or even stop it.

“I want to make the contact count, stop them coming into the line and make life easier for the men outside me.

“But I also know I have adjustments to make — with my loading points and with the way the game has changed.

“Maybe the system plays a part, but I’ll always look at myself first and ask myself how I can improve and stop this from happening again.

“LOVE ❤️🤍 Still backing the Brodies to Old Trafford!

“BACK IN THE LAB #DawgWork”