HULL KR head coach Willie Peters has backed Tevita Pangai Jnr to show what he can do, having shed the pounds while on the sidelines.
Pangai Jnr has been out for six games after being found guilty of gouging in Rovers’ 34-8 loss to Leeds Rhinos back in June.
That was only his third match for the club, having signed a short-term contract in May after a spell in French rugby union.
While serving his ban, the former Catalans Dragons prop has taken it upon himself to get fitter, losing considerable weight – reportedly as much as 10 kilograms – in order to become more mobile in the Robins’ pack.
And Peters hopes Pangai Jnr will be a force to be reckoned with when he returns – potentially against Catalans this Thursday.
“He’s done everything he can to get himself in great shape,” said Peters.
“Hopefully going forward, we see the best of him.
“For me it’s not about what players have done – whether it’s on-field making an error or a disciplinary error.
“If you keep doing it over and over then it becomes an issue. I’m hopeful that Tevita has learnt his lesson now.
“All his focus and energy has been on getting himself as fit as possible.
“It’s about playing now and showing everyone what he is capable of.”