NRL 2021: Broncos star Tevita Pangai Jnr addresses rumours of Wests Tigers defection
The Broncos were blindsided by a report that Tevita Pangai Jnr met with Wests Tigers coach Michael Maguire. Now TPJ has broken his silence on the saga.
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Tevita Pangai Jnr has addressed claims he held secret talks with the Wests Tigers and has pledged to honour his Broncos deal amid speculation he could quit the club at season‘s end.
The Broncos were rocked by reports last week that two of their contracted players, Pangai Jnr and fullback Jamayne Isaako, met with Tigers powerbrokers following a hit-and-run mission for preliminary talks with the Brisbane duo.
But in his only interview, Pangai Jnr has come out swinging, insisting he will not jeopardise his Broncos contract, with the NSW Origin hopeful placed on 12 months’ probation following his Covid breaches last year.
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The 25-year-old also disclosed his added motivation for staying loyal to the Broncos, revealing he is set to become a father later this year and wants the security of a long-term future in Brisbane.
Pangai Jnr is contracted to Brisbane until the end of 2022 and says he is so determined to see out his Broncos deal he met with coach Kevin Walters before last week’s Roosters boilover to seek assurances he is wanted by the club.
“I never met with the Tigers, that’s the truth,” Pangai Jnr said.
“It‘s been a frustrating week with all the rumours going on.
“I just tried to play my best game on the weekend (against the Roosters) — I wanted to show the club and the fans that I’m committed to staying here at the Broncos.
“There were rumours going around at the start of the year about my future, which made clubs contact my manager. I’m not a free agent until November so right now it’s not in my interest to be negotiating with other clubs anyway.
“I’m also on probation so I have to stay out of trouble to keep my contract at the Broncos and stay in Brisbane.
“Brisbane gave me a second chance after my mishap last year, so how would it look if I walked out on them to join another club? I’m committed to the Broncos and even if other clubs are interested, it’s my preference to stay here.”
News Corp understands Walters has no intention of releasing Pangai Jnr, with the Broncos to free-up the salary-cap space they need if Brisbane can complete a transfer deal with prop Matt Lodge in the coming weeks.
Frustratingly erratic for several seasons, Pangai Jnr has been one of Brisbane’s best players this season and says it’s time to grow up as he prepares for parenthood with partner Anna.
The Tongan Test ace has also taken in younger brother Jermaine, 16, who moved from Canberra two years ago to live with the Broncos strike weapon.
“I’m doing my best to stay out of the headlines. I have a family to think of,” he said.
“I am about to get married, my partner is 13 weeks pregnant so I have no plans on leaving Brisbane.
“I also have my younger brother here, he has one more year of high school and I am looking after him.
“I promised my parents when Jermaine moved up here that I would care for him, so I have a duty to look after his welfare.”
Three years ago, Pangai Jnr was offered a massive $900,000 a season to quit the Broncos and join a rival NRL club.
The 113kg powerhouse sacrificed $300,000 to stay at the Broncos and has assured Walters he wants to fulfil his potential at Red Hill.
“I’ve spoken to ‘Kevvie’ (Walters) and he spoke to me about trying to get the best out of me,” he said.
“We are working out ways for me to deliver my best week in, week out and Kevvie is holding me accountable for that.
“What I did last year was stupid and I’ve worked hard this year to become a leader in the club.
“I have been offered double to leave the club before and I stayed loyal, so it goes to show my passion for the Broncos.
“We’ve had some tough years but I can honestly see the club turning around under Kevvie and I want to be a part of it.”
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