Tevita Pangai Jr’s next move reported as Hull KR exit looms for suspended star

Hull KR forward Tevita Pangai Jr is set to leave the club at the end of the season and attempt to resurrect his career in the NRL, according to reports.

Pangai Jr signed for Hull KR midway through the season as the Robins brought him in from French rugby union, paying Warrington Wolves a fee in the process.

The prop had signed for the Wolves for the 2026 season but had a change of plans as he opted to try his hand at the 15-man code, though Hull KR and Pangai Jr’s former coach Willie Peters were able to convince him to make a Super League return.

That saw the Robins pay Warrington a fee to land his services but the prop has not repaid that faith, spending the majority of his time on the sidelines through suspension.

He made a bright start but then was charged with gouging that landed him a six-game ban before being banned again in just his second match back, racking up another four games worth of bans, which was then increased to five on appeal.

It means that he has played just five matches for Hull KR but he’s landed a total of eleven games in bans, with Pangai Jr not set to return unless the Robins make the Super League Grand Final.

Off-contract at the end of the season, it seems that his stint with Hull KR will be short-lived as the Courier Mail’s Peter Badel has reported that the 30-year-old will return down under to have one last crack at the NRL.

He last played in the competition in 2024 with the Dolphins, joining them mid-season after taking up professional boxing, before then departing to sign with Catalans Dragons.

Pangai Jr spent the majority of his NRL career with Brisbane, playing 96 of his 147 games there, but it was with Canterbury when he’d earn his sole State of Origin call-up just three years ago. He’ll hope to rediscover that form when returning down under.

Dissecting Leeds Rhinos v Wigan Warriors, St Helens miss the six and Wakefield make statement – Click here to watch the latest episode of the Serious About Rugby League Show