Willie Peters has backed Tevita Pangai Junior to make an impact at Hull KR ahead of his expected debut against York Knights on Friday night.

The one-time New South Wales representative linked up with the Robins last month on a deal until the end of the season but has had to be patient due to a calf problem.

Barring a late hiccup, the Craven Park faithful will get their first look at the imposing forward when York visit.

"He's going to take time to build but I'm looking forward to what he can bring," said Peters.

"I know what Tevita can bring to a footy team – I've seen it first-hand. I was involved with Tevita at a younger age in the New South Wales representative teams, under-18s and under-20s.

"He's gone on and reached really high levels of the game but has he reached his full potential? I know and strongly believe that at the back end of the year, we can help him and he can help us."

Pangai Junior, who represented Brisbane Broncos, Penrith Panthers, Canterbury Bulldogs and the Dolphins in the NRL, made 23 appearances for Catalans Dragons last season.

While he tried his hand at rugby union, the 30-year-old has gone almost nine months without a game of league.

Tevita Pangai Junior is poised to make his Hull KR debut this week. (Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com)

placeholder image — Tevita Pangai Junior is poised to make his Hull KR debut this week. (Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com)

“He's not the finished product," added Peters, who welcomes back Dean Hadley this week after he missed the defeat at Wakefield Trinity with a concussion. "He obviously hasn't played for a long time.

"He still needs to get fitter. He's grateful to be here, he's working hard and his attitude is where it needs to be. I can tell he wants it – his actions are showing that.

"Let's see how he goes after a number of weeks. I'm expecting a good performance this week but I'm not expecting massive minutes."