Hull KR forward Tevita Pangai Junior has been banned for six games and fined by the RFL for gouging.

The incident, involving Leeds Rhinos’ Jake Connor, took place during the Robins’ 34-8 defeat at Headingley on Friday.

Pangai Junior, 30, will not be available until Hull KR’s home fixture against Catalans Dragons on 13 August.

The reigning Super League champions did not confirm whether they would appeal the decision.

The former NRL prop, who played 23 times for Catalans Dragons in 2025, joined the Robins in May in a deal until the end of the season.

The Tonga international’s suspension will start with the derby against Hull FC in their Magic Weekend game at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium on Saturday.

He is one of four players who will sit out games from a total of 22 charges announced by the Rugby Football League on Monday.

York Knights’ Sam Wood and Catalans’ Guillermo Aispuro-Bichet are suspended for two matches, both for dangerous contact, while Aispuro-Bichet’s team-mate Franck Maria receives a one-match ban for contact with the head.

St Helens’ Jackson Hastings will not be punished for touching injured Bradford Bulls player Will Gardiner while checking on his opponents’ welfare.