07 November 2023 , 18:01
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Kelepi Tanginoa says it was a “no-brainer” to follow his former Manly coach Willie Peters to Hull KR.
The explosive Australian second-row has joined the Robins from relegated Wakefield on a three-year deal. His signature marks another impressive recruit for the improving East Yorkshire club who reached Wembley and the Super League semi-finals this season and were awarded Grade A status in IMG’s indicative phase of the new grading system. Much-sought Tanginoa, 29, has become one of the competition’s leading forwards since moving to the UK with Trinity from Manly in 2019, earning a Dream Team spot the following year.
He has twice represented the Combined Nations All Stars and said: “I was really excited when I found out I had the opportunity to come to Hull KR. I’ve known Willie (Peters) since 2017 when we were both at Manly Sea Eagles. So, I know a bit about Willie and what he can bring to a team. When he gave me a call, it was a no-brainer for me.
“I know what Willie can bring out of me as a player and to see what he’s brought to Hull KR and the progress they’ve made in the Challenge Cup and Super League, I’m really grateful to be a part of that next year.”
The deal was only able to be facilitated once KR’s Aussie second-row Kane Linnett, 34, made a surprise U-turn and opted to retire, a decision that was announced yesterday and freed up a quota spot. Rovers have already signed Aussie prop Jai Whitbread from Wakefield for 2024 and Tanginoa becomes the fifth player to make the same switch in the last 12 months. He said: “It will feel pretty comfortable for me entering a new environment knowing a few of the boys. Batch (James Batchelor), Jai (Whitbread) , Yusuf (Aydin) and Corey (Hall) are top quality players.
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“I’m looking forward to playing alongside them again. It’s exciting. Every time I play at Hull KR, they’re probably the loudest fans in Super League. One of the reasons I agreed to come to Hull KR was the progress they’re making. What the club did this year was amazing and the ambition they have for the future is bright. To do that next year and for the years to come, I want to be part of that.”
Tanginoa reacts after Wakefield's relegation was confirmed (PA)Head coach Peters admitted: “I’m really happy to get Kelepi (Tanginoa) on board. I’ve worked with Kelepi when I was a coach at Manly. He’s always been known as a powerful player. Kelepi will bring leg speed and punch to the team. He’s been known as one of the better back-rowers in Super League and he made the league’s Dream Team in 2020.
“Kelepi has joined Hull KR because he sees the vision of where the club is going and he wants to win silverware. He's hungry for success and those are the players we want at Hull KR.”