He has been linked with both the Sydney Roosters and South Sydney – but off-contract Brisbane wrecking ball Tevita Pangai Junior has declared he wants to continue his NRL career under Anthony Seibold at the Brisbane Broncos.
Pangai Junior signed a one-year extension with the Broncos in December, fueling speculation he was planning a move to Redfern to reunite with ex-coach Wayne Bennett from 2020.
The 23-year-old formed a close bond with Bennett after the mastercoach handed the former Canberra Raiders Under-20s discard his NRL debut in 2016.
But in a shock twist, Pangai Junior told The Courier Mail’s Peter Badel he backed the controversial coaching swap that delivered Anthony Seibold to Red Hill on a five-year deal.
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“I actually supported ‘Seibs’ (Seibold) to come to the Broncos,” he told The Courier Mail.
“… Seibs’ strength is defence so I was happy for him to come to the Broncos. I’m glad the Broncos board brought him here.”
Pangai Junior added he would have joined the Bunnies this season if he wanted to reunite with Bennett.
The NSW Blues hopeful turned down a lucrative offer from the Roosters last season and was again rumoured to be a target of the Tricolours in recent months.
But amid reports Pangai Junior has been weighing offers from multiple NRL rivals, the Tongan international hopes to stay in Brisbane.
While the rampaging forward’s declaration is good news for Broncos fans, he could yet be forced out of Red Hill due to salary cap constraints.
The Broncos last week re-signed prop Joe Ofahengaue on a three-year deal and have reportedly agreed to terms with Queensland Maroons winger Corey Oates.
Pangai Junior could command upwards of $800,000 a season on the open market but would likely have to take significantly less coin to fit under the Broncos’ salary cap.
