Broncos forward Tevita Pangai Junior sidelined for 8-12 weeks with finger injury

BRONCOS forward Joe Ofahengaue has earned another chance in first grade team, after Tevita Pangai Jr was ruled out for two months.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA — SEPTEMBER 01: Tevita Pangai Junior of the Broncos is tackled by Jake Friend of the Roosters during the round 26 NRL match between the Brisbane Broncos and the Sydney Roosters at Suncorp Stadium on September 1, 2016 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Matt Roberts/Getty Images)

BRONCOS forward Joe Ofahengaue has earned himself another chance to own a spot in the first grade team, after he was named to replace the injured Tevita Pangai Jr.

In a shocking blow for Brisbane’s pack, Pangai Jr has been ruled out for eight to 12 weeks with a broken finger and will undergo surgery on Wednesday.

While he is a definite loss to Brisbane’s line-up, Wayne Bennett has named former regular first grader Ofahengaue to take Pangai Jr’s place for this Friday’s meeting with South Sydney, opening a door for the young prop to show why he is worthy of playing weekly NRL again.

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Pangai Junior

Ofahengaue has not played for the Broncos since July last year when he was sent back to reserve grade for poor form, but has been a standout in the Intrust Super Cup over the past month.

Given his recent form, his Souths Logan coach Jon Buchanan was not at all surprised that the 21-year-old was called back into the NRL, labelling him “terrific”.

Buchanan said he was actually surprised to have Ofahengaue’s services for Sunday’s 44-24 win over Mackay given how well he had played the week before against Norths.

Ofahengaue has a real chance now to cement his spot in the 17, with Pangai Jr not due back until mid-June at the earliest.

“He’s been absolutely outstanding,” Buchanan said of Ofahengaue.

“His last two games in particular were terrific ... He’s been the best player so far. When I heard Tevita was injured I knew we would lose him.”

The Ipswich junior edged out fellow Souths Logan forward and Brisbane affiliate George Fai for the Broncos bench spot.

Buchanan said however that 20-year-old Fai should not be disheartened as he predicts his opportunity is also just around the corner.

“George has been going really well for us too,” Buchanan said.

“He hasn’t been far behind Joe at all. Early on he was probably a touch better than Joe but over the last month Joe has been a little bit more effective.

“George was terrific again on the weekend and this will be good for him. With Joe gone, he’ll need to take on that leadership role in the middle.”

There were no other changes to the Broncos side for Friday’s clash, with winger David Mead to play off the bench once again.

Originally published as Broncos forward Tevita Pangai Junior sidelined for 8-12 weeks with finger injury