PNG pair Enoch Maki and Francis Paniu pledge not to let Stanley Gene or Rovers down

Paniu, Gene and Make. Photo/Hull Daily Mail

NEW Hull KR signings Enoch Maki and Francis Paniu have vowed not to let the club or Stanley Gene down after signing one-year deals at Craven Park. The Papua New Guinea pair, who arrived in England last week for the World Cup, have been recommended by Gene, who is part of coach Craig Sandercock's backroom staff.

Prop Maki and back-rower Paniu played for the Kumuls in their 38-20 warm-up win over Scotland at Featherstone on Saturday.

Maki got his name on the scoresheet and is determined to follow in Gene's footsteps by doing the best he can in a Rovers shirt.

"I won't let anyone down," he told the Mail.

"Both Francis and I are very grateful to Stanley for making it possible.

"He has told us how good the club is and we don't want to let him or the club down.

"This is a chance of a lifetime for us and we are determined to make the most of it.

"We have been in England for almost a week now and I am looking forward to the World Cup starting.

"Super League will be a big step up for us but the tournament will be ideal preparation for us to get used to the quality we will play against next season.

"Having my future sorted won't take the pressure off me in the World Cup because I give my best for club and country every time I play."

The two 24-year-olds will be the fourth and fifth Papua New Guinea players to play for Rovers, following in the footsteps of Gene, John Okul and Makali Aizue.

Rovers hope Maki and Paniu impress enough in their first season to extend their deals.

And Paniu knows he can help his cause if he scores plenty of tries.

"It means a lot to me to sign for Hull KR," he told the Mail.

"It's a privilege for me to follow in Stanley's footsteps at a club he did so well at.

"I want to play as many games as I can for Hull KR and do the best I can.

"It was nice of Stanley to recommend me and I want to reward him and the club."

Hull Daily Mail