PNG pair secure Hull KR deals

Hull KR have signed Papua New Guinea internationals Enoch Maki and Francis Paniu.

The duo are set to make their first appearance at Craven Park this weekend when the Kumuls take on France at the World Cup.

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.

Rovers CEO Mike Smith 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.o

“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.”

Hull KR already have another member of the Papua New Guinea squad on their books for next season, having signed Neville Costigan from NRL side Newcastle.

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.”

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

Paniu added: “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.”