Broncos forward Tevita Pangai Jr excited by chance to test himself against boyhood idol Sam Burgess
SAM Burgess might not like being defined a veteran — but for Tevita Pangai Jr the Rabbitohs lock was a childhood hero and is the next step on his journey to prove himself as one of the NRL’s best young forwards.
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TEVITA Pangai Jr has dismissed concerns about his spate of leg injuries and is primed outpoint his childhood idol, Souths premiership hero Sam Burgess, at Suncorp Stadium on Thursday night.
Pangai Jr is the one Brisbane forward with the fusion of power, toughness and ball-playing ability to match the energy of the British Test lock who inspired South Sydney’s charge to the 2014 title.
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Pangai Jr has waged a frustrating battle with injury throughout this season, with several of his 18 games involving fitness tests on hamstring and groin complaints to clear the rampaging Bronco for action.
Clinging to eighth spot, the Broncos must halt the go-forward of the Burgess brothers Sam, Tom and George to remain in the finals race, and Pangai Jr is relishing one of the biggest tests of his career.
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“Sam Burgess was one of my favourite players growing up, so it will be good to come up against him and test myself against the best,” Pangai Jr said.
“Souths will be tough. I thought Melbourne would beat them the other week but Souths were great (in their 30-20 win in round 21) and showed they are a real premiership threat.
“Damien Cook (Souths hooker) is a real danger. He is playing well off the big Burgess boys in the middle, so we have to make sure our ruck is really tight.
“They haven’t had Greg Inglis (Queensland Origin skipper) due to injury as well, so they will be even more dangerous when he comes back.”
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While Pangai Jr has produced some blockbusting performances this season, the Tongan international admits he needs to get serious about rehabilitation.
He has battled a groin aliment and at least four minor hamstring issues that are impacting on his preparation for games.
Pangai Jr insists he does not require surgery, but says he must begin safeguarding his 113kg frame.
“It’s been pretty frustrating,” he said of his injury woes.
“My groin was a bit sore last week (before the Cowboys game), but my body pulled up sweet before the captain’s run and I was able to play.
“My tendon in the groin is playing up and I’ve had issues with my hamstrings. I really don’t know what’s wrong with my body but I need to get on top of it.
“I just need to start doing little extras and not overtraining and looking after my body.
“Hopefully there’s no more soft-tissue injuries this year and I can keep working well with the medical staff.”
Pangai Jr remains off-contract as he attempts to sever ties with his management. The issue will not be resolved until November, but the Broncos forward isn’t concerned about being in limbo.
“I live week-by-week and day-by-day, so it doesn’t bother me being off-contract. I’m not worried about it,” he said.
“We’ll know more in the off-season. I will probably stay at the Broncos but we will see what happens.”
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