Robins confirm signing PNG pair

The Robins have sealed the signings of Papua New Guinea internationals Enoch Maki and Francis Paniu.

The duo will join up with Craig Sandercock’s squad when they return for pre-season training later in the year but in the meantime Robins’ fans can catch their first glimpse of Maki and Paniu, as well as other new boy Neville Costigan, as they represent their country at the two RLWC2013 games being hosted at Craven Park.

Maki, a hard hitting prop, and Paniu, a versatile second rower, join the club under the recommendation of Stanley Gene who himself joined the Robins after impressing at the 1995 World Cup.

Mike Smith, Rovers’ CEO, is delighted with the acquisitions, he said: “We are looking forward to having Enoch and Francis on board. As you would expect they are both raw and exciting players and I’m sure our coaching staff will have a great influence on them.

“As a club we have great links with PNG and these signings are another example of that. I’m sure those fans that turn out for the RLWC2013 games will be impressed with what they see and I’d urge as many Robins’ supporters as possible to turn out and welcome the boys to east Hull.”

Maki is excited by the opportunity to test himself in Super League, he said: "I'm looking forward to the challenge. It will be a lot of hard work but this is a great opportunity for us, we will be learning every day and taking as much as we can from the coaching staff at the club."

Francis is also looking forward to a permanent move to the UK, he said: "It's really exciting to be joining such a famous club as Hull KR. Stanley has told us lots about the club and its fans, particularly the noise the East Stand makes! We can't wait to get started."

Both players’ contracts are subject to the usual international clearance. 

The Rovers News