Tevita Pangai Jr commits to Broncos and to making sure his body can handle rigours of rugby league
On the day he committed his future to Brisbane, Tevita Pangai Jr set his sights on making himself even stronger and faster for the toughest year of his career so far.
Broncos
Don't miss out on the headlines from Broncos. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Tevita Pangai Jr ended a year of speculation on Friday by inking a new deal with the Broncos.
Now the hard work begins to beat a frustrating injury curse as Brisbane look to unleash Tevita the Terminator next season.
Dubbed “Jason Taumalolo 2.0” by teammate Corey Oates, Pangai Jr is hoping to emulate the Cowboys wrecking ball by building a stronger body to ensure he maximises his unique talent.
A short-term, 12-month extension with the Broncos gives Pangai Jr sufficient security without the risk of complacency as he strives to deliver the most consistent, injury-free football of his career in 2019.
Even Taumalolo believes his Tongan Test colleague has the potential to be the most explosive forward in the code, but first Pangai Jr must fix weak hamstrings which belie his monstrous 113kg frame.
While he played 22 games last season, Pangai Jr waged a persistent battle with hamstring issues. He either missed matches altogether or faced last-minute fitness tests to get on the park.
Brisbane’s pack has been decimated by the loss of Cowboys recruit Josh McGuire and retired warhorse Sam Thaiday, putting the heat on Pangai Jr to stay fit and firing.
“The soft-tissue injuries I kept getting with my hamstrings were disappointing. I’ve decided I need to change a lot of things,” he said.
“Last year wasn’t the year I really wanted, so I’ve had a long review of my body and my season.
“I like to train but I need to work on the recovery side of things.
“I need to make sure I do more pre-hab stuff and do all the little things off the field.
“As a professional athlete, you have to do the one per cent things to look after your body. It’s a 24-7 job, even in the off-season you should be looking after yourself.
“I’m now looking at my diet and how much sleep I get. I haven’t had bread since I’ve been back at training.
“I am going to change my whole lifestyle and make sure I’m putting football first.”
Entering his fourth NRL campaign, Pangai Jr, who has amassed 54 first grade games, spent the off-season finetuning his body.
While holidaying in America last month, the Broncos powerhouse looked for an edge, contacting a Los Angeles speed coach for sprint training.
To strengthen his fragile hamstrings, the 22-year-old performed specific exercises with the help of sports science guru Steven Duhig at Griffith University.
“My hamstrings were severely weak for my size,” he said.
“I am a power athlete but my hamstrings weren’t able to cope.
“As my trainer Steve was saying, if the foundations are weak, the house will collapse.
“That’s the analogy he used for my hamstrings. I’m a big house but the foundations weren’t strong.
“Steve also found me a guy to do some sprint training in America.
“If I can add a little bit of speed and be a better athlete next season, that would be good.”
Every Test, ODI & T20I live, ad-break free during play and in 4K. Only on Foxtel. SIGN UP TODAY!
What Maguire, Broncos can learn from grand final masterclass
Michael Maguire was in the stands for Penrith’s epic grand final win. There was plenty for the new Broncos coach to ponder, writes ROBERT CRADDOCK.
Broncos’ Bellamy blunder: How Brisbane fumbled Bennett successor
It’s the sliding doors moment that cost Brisbane the signing of Craig Bellamy and put Melbourne on the path to a two-decade dynasty. See the inside story of how the Broncos botched their Wayne Bennett succession plan.