New Hull KR duo Mika & Paea looking to make 2012 impact

Constantine Mika (left) and Mickey Paea (right) have both signed from NRL clubs

New Hull Kingston Rovers signings Constantine Mika and Mickey Paea say they are excited about playing in Super League for the first time.

Second-rower Mika joins up with his former Newcastle Knights coach Craig Sandercock whilst prop Paea turned down a new contract with NRL side Canterbury Bulldogs to sign for the Robins.

Paea, 25, told BBC Radio Humberside: "I jumped at the chance.

"I've always wanted to come here and I'm ready to get stuck in.

He added: "It's exciting to come here and play alongside guys of the calibre of Benny Galea, Michael Dobson and Jake Webster."

The 22-year-old Mika says he had options to stay in the NRL but the opportunity to play in Super League fulfills a career ambition.

"I was talking to a few clubs in the NRL but I've always wanted to come to England and experience it," he stated.

"I thought I might as well do it while I'm young rather than later on in my career and that's probably the main reason why I wanted to come."

Having worked with Sandercock at the Newcastle Knights, Mika says the chance to work alongside his former coach was a factor in moving to Craven Park.

"I was talking to a few clubs in England but I got a heads-up that Sandy had got the head coach job here.

"It's a good club and I heard the fans are real good over here so it's the sort of environment I want to be in," he concluded.