Broncos coach Kevin Walters has shut down any potential move for Tevita Pangai Junior - but has revealed a promising update on the future of one of the club's rising stars.
Following the shock decision from Pangai to retire from rugby league and pursue a career in professional boxing, the 27-year-old has already been linked with a new NRL club.
Pangai will move back to south-east Queensland following the conclusion of his tenure with the Bulldogs, ending a rollercoaster career that seemingly had plenty of upside remaining.
Both the Titans and Dolphins have been rumoured to be interested in potentially acquiring Pangai next year or in 2025, but at this stage it appears his short-term future lies inside the ropes.
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Kevin Walters shuts down potential Tevita Pangai Junior signing
Speaking to the media prior to Round 26, Walters was quizzed on the potential of adding Pangai to their star-studded squad in the coming years - a question he immediately shut down.
“No there wouldn’t be [any interest], because we don’t have any room in our salary cap," the coach said.
"We signed Payne Haas a couple of weeks ago… Pat Carrigan and all these guys are our middles and we wouldn’t be able to finance Tevita.
"He had a really good career here and then he moved down to the Bulldogs – I’m not sure where he’ll end up next year, boxing might be a good opportunity. I think we’ll find him back in a league jersey across the bridge somewhere.
"He’s coming back to south-east Queensland – it won’t be us, it would be Redcliffe or maybe the Titans that would entertain him."
Ezra Mam closing in on new Brisbane Broncos contract
While the aforementioned likes of Payne Haas and Patrick Carrigan are locked in at Red Hill long-term, there is one man who could be on the cusp of stardom in the NRL that rival clubs are lining up for.
Canberra and St George Illawarra have already expressed interest in Ezra Mam, who is set to become a free agent on November 1st - but according to former Raiders star Walters, the electric five-eighth won't be going anywhere.
“Ezra is another one coming off - we’ve obviously got plans for him to be here long-term," he said.
"Simon [Scanlan] and Dave [Donaghy] are working through that and making sure that he does continue on to play here. I know he loves playing here, he has been through our academy system and then into first grade.
“I really enjoyed my time in Canberra, it was great for starting out my career... I’ve got nothing but respect for the Raiders, but Ezra will be in a maroon jersey the next few years, not a green one.
"The plan is to keep Ezra, that’s for sure. The plan will be before November 1 - we get the season out of the way in October… then we’ll lock down Ezra I’d imagine."
Mam has been in scintillating form for the Broncos throughout the year, crossing for 13 tries and producing nine try assists to help the side to a top-four finish and potential minor premiership.
