Hull KR have opted not to appeal the Grade F charge handed to Tevita Pangai Junior following an incident involving Leeds Rhinos’ Jake Connor, All Out Rugby League understands.
The powerhouse prop will now serve a six-match suspension for eye-gouging, beginning with the Hull derby at Magic Weekend. Hull KR and Hull FC are set to go head-to-head on Saturday, June 4 at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium as part of the biggest Magic Weekend yet.
Pangai Junior will also miss Super League fixtures against Wakefield Trinity, Warrington Wolves, Hull FC, Bradford Bulls and Castleford Tigers.
The former Brisbane Broncos, Penrith Panthers, Canterbury Bulldogs, Dolphins and Catalans Dragons prop was making just his third appearance for the Robins against Leeds at AMT Headingley after joining the club mid-season following a brief stint in rugby union.
He made his debut under Willie Peters against York Knights in Round 14 before featuring against Leigh Leopards and then Leeds, where the Rhinos claimed a 34-8 victory.
It is another blow for Hull KR, who will also be without influential back-rower Dean Hadley for at least Magic Weekend after he failed a head injury assessment last Friday.
Tom Amone also suffered a nasty eye injury in the incident involving Hadley, while Sam Luckley and Sauaso Sue missed the Round 16 clash through injury.
Pangai Junior will be available again for Hull KR’s Round 23 home fixture against Catalans Dragons mid-August, while he remains off-contract at the end of 2026 having signed an initial short-term deal.