Tevita Pangai Junior has revealed how family life influenced his decision to perform a U-turn on his Warrington Wolves move, before a chance reunion with Willie Peters emerged six months later at Hull KR.
The former NRL prop made a mid-season switch to Sewell Group Craven Park after a brief spell in French rugby union, where he featured in the sixth tier before taking further trials with clubs including former European heavyweights Biarritz, now in France’s second division.
His family has remained based in the south of France following their move from Australia ahead of the 2025 Super League season with Catalans Dragons, before his departure. Pangai Jr, meanwhile, is currently living with Rovers team-mate Tyrone May.
As part of the agreement to bring him to the Robins, Hull KR paid a transfer fee to Warrington, where Pangai Jr had initially signed a one-year deal starting in 2026.
“I felt my family was pretty settled in France,” Pangai Jr said. “I know there’s been a lot of talk about why I didn’t go there. Me and Steve [McNamara] had some tough times, but it was a tough year for all of us.
“Hopefully he does well at Hull FC next year, and the rest of this year at Warrington.”
During his stint in rugby union, Hull KR head coach Peters made contact with the 30-year-old forward, having previously worked together in Australia.
Talks continued and eventually the Robins secured the former New South Wales State of Origin representative, who had initially been targeting a future in the Top 14 after his cross-code switch.
“Willie and Tyrone are the big reasons I came here,” said the former Brisbane Broncos, Penrith Panthers, Canterbury Bulldogs and Dolphins forward.
“It’s good to be playing under Willie. I’ve always had chats with him – we started talking and stayed in touch after the Warrington move fell through. I really enjoy playing for him. He’s direct, he’s honest, and that suits me. Hopefully I can get back to my best under him.
“When I didn’t originally go to Warrington, the Top 14 was the goal, but Willie can be very persuasive. He makes you want to run through a brick wall.
“He challenged me, we had a few calls, and it’s exciting to try and get back to my best under him. I’m looking forward to the challenge and the short time we’ve got together.”
Pangai Jr remains off-contract at the end of 2026, having signed a short-term deal, while Hull KR have announced that Nathan Cayless will succeed Willie Peters from 2027 on a three-year deal.
On his future, the ex-Tonga international said: “I’m not too sure, to be honest. Obviously the club is in a good position, but I’m in the present and focussed on this year.
“Paul Sewell [Hull KR chairman] spoke to us as a playing group and announced that there’s a new coach for next year, but we don’t want to get side tracked and we want to focus on this year.
“There’s some players moving on, and maybe I’ll be one of them, but I want to put my best foot forward until then.”