Evarn Tuimavave says Hull KR coach Craig Sandercock 'will bring out best in me'

ASK Evarn Tuimavave when he played his best rugby and he'll tell you it was at Newcastle Knights.

Ask him why and he'll tell you it was because of Craig Sandercock.

Having got the best out of him in 2010 and 2011, it's easy to see why Tuimavave credits the Hull KR coach.

And with the pair now working closely together again after Sandercock lured him to MS3 Craven Park, he's hoping the move can kick-start his career.

Injuries meant Tuimavave didn't feature as much as he would have liked for Newcastle last season, but he is hoping a switch to east Hull can reinvigorate him and his rugby.

"Hopefully, Craig can bring the best out of me like he did at Newcastle," he told the Mail.

"We got along pretty well there and he knows my strengths and weaknesses better than anyone.

"I had offers from other teams, but I knew I would hit the ground running by joining Hull KR because of Craig and we have a very exciting team.

"We have a good young team with a lot of potential and I feel we can progress on what the club did last season.

"Everyone is fighting for a place too, which is good.

"You don't want anyone to get complacent and I think we have a good future ahead of us."

Tuimavave comes to MS3 Craven Park with a point to prove. But he also arrives as a World Cup winner.

In 2008, he helped the Kiwis to a 36-24 victory over England at Newcastle's Energy Australia Stadium.

Next year, New Zealand defend their World Cup title on this side of the world but if Tuimavave has his way, he won't be a part of the squad this time around.

He wants to continue a family tradition by wearing the red of Samoa against New Zealand, France and Papua New Guinea.

The game against PNG will be played at Rovers' ground, giving Tuimavave added incentive to run out for Samoa on November 4.

"Next year is a World Cup year and I'm hoping to be selected for Samoa," he explained.

"I played for New Zealand in the last World Cup, which was great, but I want to play for Samoa this time.

"My dad and uncle played for Samoa and two of my other uncles played for New Zealand.

"It would be a huge honour to play for both countries.

"It's always been a dream of mine to represent Samoa and hopefully I can get that chance, especially at Craven Park."

Before thinking about his possible World Cup selection, Tuimavave knows he is going to have to prove his worth in the red and white of Rovers.

With the Robins looking to return to the top eight after missing out on the play-offs last season, he knows it won't be easy.

But he is looking forward to making his debut and has promised to add a new dimension to a KR attack which includes Ryan O'Hara and Mickey Paea.

"Mickey is a good explosive player and I've played against Ryan as well," he added.

"It's down to Sandy where I fit into the puzzle.

"I hope I can use my experience in the team.

"I want to bring a bit of ball playing as well as a bit of aggression to the front row.

"I hope there will be players supporting me so I can get a few off-loads done.

"When we get the chance in the dry weather, I think you'll see a few off-loads from me. But I just I want to play well and consistently."

Heading into the new Super League season with a young squad, Tuimavave is fully aware his experience will be crucial.

"I'm 28 now and, hopefully, at certain times in the game I want to put my hand up and do something for the team," he said.

"I'm a front rower and our job is to lead from the front.

"We have to lead the way and hope the others follow us."