With the injury crisis worsening, senior members of the Broncos team urge coach Kevvie to consider signing Tevita Pangai Jnr
Senior members of the Broncos squad have reportedly approached coach Kevin Walters with the intention of urging the club to secure the services of Tevita Pangai Junior. The Courier Mail has revealed that Payne Haas and vice-captain Pat Carrigan are among those advocating for the recruitment of the middle forward.
Captain Adam Reynolds is also in favor of the move, aiming to ease the pressure on the squad amid a growing injury crisis that has sidelined several key players.
Reports indicate that Broncos players initially approached Walters regarding Pangai Junior approximately six weeks ago, prior to injuries to Haas, Reynolds, and most recently, Reece Walsh.
Tevita Pangai Junior, aged 28, left the Bulldogs in August last year to pursue a professional boxing career. However, he has made a return to rugby league this season, featuring for the Broncos’ affiliate Souths Logan in the Queensland Cup.
The former Bronco and Panthers prop is reportedly open to accepting a salary of less than $300,000 for this season. He was released by the Brisbane club midway through the 2021 season after breaching NRL protocols during the pandemic by visiting a barbershop the previous year.
Following the departures of key middle forwards such as Tom Flegler (to the Dolphins), Kurt Capewell (to the Warriors), and Keenan Palasia (to the Titans) after the 2023 season, the Broncos’ middle forward stocks have been depleted.
Should the Broncos pursue his signing, Pangai Junior would reportedly be available for around $277,000 if recruited close to the June 30 transfer deadline.
Coach Walters, however, downplayed the potential recruitment of Pangai Junior after his side’s loss to the Panthers on Thursday night, stating, “At this stage, Tevita’s name hasn’t been discussed, but we’re keeping our options open.”
Meanwhile, Pangai Junior expressed his readiness to return if called upon, stating to News Corp, “I’m not too sure if the Broncos need anyone but if they want some experience, I’m available… It would be great to play with guys like Payne and Patty. I’m a team player. The best players take less to win premierships, so if Brisbane need me, I’m ready to help out.”
