Tevita Pangai Junior is poised to make his Hull KR debut this week after overcoming injury, with head coach Willie Peters convinced the high-profile recruit still has untapped potential.
The experienced forward joined the Robins last month after a spell in French rugby union, signing a deal until the end of the 2026 season.
After overcoming a calf injury, Pangai Junior is now in line for his first appearance when Rovers host York Knights at Sewell Group Craven Park on Friday.
Peters previously worked with the 30-year-old in Australia and believes the powerful prop is yet to unlock his best.
“Tevita will play this week if all goes well. He’s going to take time to build, but I’m looking forward to what he can bring,” Peters said.
“I know what Tevita can bring to a footy team, and I’ve seen it first-hand. I was involved with Tevita at a younger age in the New South Wales representative teams, under-18s and under-20s.
“He’s gone on and reached really high levels of the game, but has he reached his full potential?
“I know and strongly believe that at the back end of the year, we can help him and he can help us.
“He’s not the finished product, he obviously hasn’t played for a long time. He still needs to get fitter, he’s grateful to be here, he’s working hard and his attitude is where it needs to be.
“I can tell he wants it, and his actions are showing that. Let’s see how he goes after a number of weeks. I’m expecting a good performance this week, but I’m not expecting massive minutes.”
Meanwhile, influential forward Dean Hadley is back available after recovering from a head knock, while Jai Whitbread celebrated the birth of his son in the lead-up to last weekend’s fixture at Wakefield Trinity.
Peters added: “Dean [Hadley] will be fine, he’s playing.
“Jai [Whitbread] has had a little boy, they had him last week. Mum and baby are doing well, which is the main thing. He’s a happy dad.”