NRL 2021: Brisbane Broncos legend Petero Civoniceva’s challenge to Tevita Pangai Jr
Tevita Pangai Jr was on the brink of being sacked by the Brisbane Broncos, this is how he turned the tide – and who he impressed on the way.
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The Broncos have issued a challenge to Tevita Pangai Jr, with club legend Petero Civoniceva declaring the time has come for the Tongan tearaway to repay Brisbane’s faith.
Pangai Jr is on track to break back into the NRL this year following a disastrous 2020 where he was suspended, fined and on the verge of being sacked for numerous behavioural issues.
The Broncos were thrust into turmoil by Pangai Jr’s brazen breaches of the NRL’s COVID biosecurity protocols which saw him attend the opening of a Brisbane barbershop with bikie links and dine out with rugby star Quade Cooper.
After being threatened with the termination of his $2.1 million contract, Pangai Jr was fined $30,000 and stood down for three months without pay, limiting him to only nine games last year.
He is effectively on probation until August after Brisbane’s board implemented a number of strict conditions on the explosive forward for a period of 12 months.
Pangai Jr, 24, has so far adhered to the conditions, which included working in a landscaping shop, quitting social media, being mentored by Civoniceva and reporting for pre-season training in top shape.
The return of a fit and firing Pangai Jr to Brisbane’s top 17 this year will be a boost for new coach Kevin Walters as he attempts to guide the Broncos back from last year’s wooden spoon horror.
Kangaroos and Queensland legend Civoniceva is now part of the Broncos’ welfare department and said Pangai Jr was on track for a bumper 2021.
“He has been really impressive, during the break he worked really hard and has come back in fantastic shape,” he said.
“I’m really excited about the year ahead for him. It’s a year where we will need a lot from him. His time is right now.
“He is training really well and the way he has applied himself to coming back in such good shape is testament to his attitude and what he feels his responsibility is to the team.
“His mindset and the way he’s come back indicates he is in for a big year. That’s exactly what the club needs from him. We need him to be a leader.
“We’ve got some good young forwards but he’s been around the game for a while now so it’s about him taking this opportunity and making the most of it.”
The Broncos compiled a dirt file on Pangai Jr, who was accused of making disparaging remarks about the club to Roosters supremo Nick Politis, as Brisbane’s furious board made moves to tear up his three-year contract.
He received the support of ex-captain and board member Darren Lockyer, who went in to fight for Pangai Jr and urged Broncos hierarchy to give him another chance.
At his best, Pangai Jr is one of the most damaging forwards in the NRL and Civoniceva said the Tongan international had his priorities in place.
“It’s always a challenge for any young player to get the right balance with your life away from football and what you do on the field,” he said.
“It’s important he has got the right people around him that can help him do that.
“His attitude and the way he’s applied himself to training is a really good indicator around his mental state. He wanted to come back in top shape which is an indication he has taken the right steps to prepare himself to play well.
“Everyone at the club is excited about the way he has worked hard and applied himself.
“The big challenge for Tevita is being consistent. If he can strive for that consistency every week and be the forward leader we know he can be it will be a great year for him.
“You can’t underestimate the hard work that has to be put in to do that. The club will get him into a good headspace to move forward.”
After being kicked out of Brisbane’s COVID “bubble”, Pangai Jr trained with former Broncos captain and fitness fanatic Corey Parker.
Parker said Pangai Jr had not put a foot wrong and was on track to hit the 2021 NRL season with a bang.
“I just want to see him reach his potential consistently,” Parker said.
“He’s put a lot of work in and I’ve had a fair bit to do with him. He’s worked extremely hard on himself and also physically.
“He is one of those guys that can be one of the best players in the competition on his day. His consistency has let him down and some of his off-field stuff.
“Working alongside him, he is tracking great at the moment. We’ll see what unfolds.”
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