After five seasons as a Trinity favourite in West Yorkshire, the 29-year-old second rower has moved across Yorkshire to East Hull from Wakefield Trinity.
Tanginoa spent his junior playing days in New South Wales, playing for teams in both Parramatta and Sydney’s suburbs before signing with the Parramatta Eels of the National Rugby League.Tanginoa made his Eels debut in 2013, at the age of 19, and played for the West Sydney club for two seasons. The Auburn-born forward later played for the North Queensland Cowboys and the Manly Sea Eagles.
Tanginoa joined with Wakefield Trinity at the start of the 2019 season. During his five-year stint, he scored 21 tries in 88 games and was named to the 2020 Super League Dream Team at second-row.
Tanginoa represented his Tongan origin by being selected to play for the Combined All Stars in June 2021 and 2022. He was a member of the team that defeated England 26-24 in 2021.
“I was really excited when I found out I had the opportunity to come to Hull KR,” the forward told hullkr.co.uk on his move to the Robins.
“I’ve known Willie (Peters) when we were both at Manly Sea Eagles in 2017. So I’ve learned a little bit about Willie and what he can provide to a squad. It was a no-brainer for me when he called.
“I know what Willie can bring out of me as a player, and seeing what he’s brought to Hull KR and their progress in the Challenge Cup and Super League, I’m really grateful to be a part of that next year.”
“I’ll feel pretty at ease entering a new environment knowing a few of the boys.” Batch (James Batchelor), Jai (Whitbread), Yusuf (Aydin), and Corey (Hall) are all excellent players, and I’m excited to play with them again.
“It’s thrilling. When I play at Hull KR, the supporters are definitely the loudest in Super League. I can’t wait to play in front of a home crowd next year and hear the people get behind us.
“I agreed to come to Hull KR because of the progress they’re making.” What the club accomplished this year was incredible, and their outlook for the future is promising. I want to be a part of that next year and in the years to come.
“I’m ready to get to work and prove myself.” I’ll be demonstrating to the players, the club, and the fans that I’m here to help the boys and put my best foot forward.’
“I’m really happy to get Kelepi (Tanginoa) on board,” Hull KR head coach Willie Peters stated. When I was a coach at Manly (Sea Eagles), I worked with Kelepi. He’s always been regarded as a formidable opponent.
“Kelepi will provide the team with leg speed and punch.” He’s regarded as one of the best back-rowers in Super League, and he was named to the league’s Dream Team in 2020.
“Kelepi has joined Hull KR because he believes in the club’s vision and wants to win silverware.” He’s hungry for success, and those are the players Hull KR wants.”
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“Kelepi will provide the team with leg speed and punch.” He’s recognised as one of Super League’s top back-rowers, and he was chosen to the league’s Dream Team in 2020.
“Kelepi has joined Hull KR because he believes in the club’s vision and wants to win silverware.” He’s hungry for success, and those are the types of players Hull KR is looking for.”
To purchase a digital copy of League Express, go here.
Click here to purchase an online version of League Express from pocketmags.com.
Click here to listen to our new League Express Podcast.
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