Broncos snatch Canberra’s next superstar Tevita Pangai Jnr
THE Brisbane Broncos have done it again. Not satisfied with snatching Anthony Milford away, they have pillaged the Canberra Raiders’ stocks and snared the signature of their “next superstar”.
Broncos
Don't miss out on the headlines from Broncos. Followed categories will be added to My News.
BRISBANE have snatched away Canberra’s “next superstar’’. Again.
In a move which is sure to enrage Raiders fans, the Broncos have poached 120kg backrower Tevita Pangai, a year after they snatched the Green Machine’s last great hope, Anthony Milford.
Pangai is viewed by the Raiders as their best teenage talent and the 19-year-old has represented Australia in several age groups.
He is expected to debut for Canberra early this season and is an early favourite for NRL rookie of the year but the Broncos will sign the Newcastle junior to a deal starting next season.
Pangai’s defection will be a major blow for Canberra, who in recent seasons have seen Todd Carney, Blake Ferguson and Milford leave the capital.
The Raiders all but declared war on Brisbane after they signed Milford.
An explosive forward, Pangai is a bigger version of Josh Papalii and is known for his damaging ball-running.
It is understood Wayne Bennett was a major factor in Pangai’s decision to move north.
The Broncos lack young attacking backrowers and Pangai will provide punch off the bench next year before taking over from Sam Thaiday and Matt Gillett.
Gillett comes off contract this year but is unlikely to move from Brisbane.
The Broncos are also poised to re-sign veteran lock Corey Parker to a one-year deal to extend his career to at least the age of 35.
The Broncos still have room for one more depth signing this season, most likely a young outside back.
■ GOLD Coast have distanced themselves from unhappy Rabbitoh Luke Keary.
Keary is a former Titans under-20 player who is disgruntled at South Sydney after he was the victim of a tirade from co-owner Russell Crowe.
Crowe lashed Keary in an address to the Rabbitohs team recently, which upset the Ipswich talent.
Keary is off contract after this season and is interested in returning to Queensland.
Titans chief executive Graham Annesley told The Courier-Mail his club had not had any discussions with Keary and were not planning to.
The Titans have lost star half Kane Elgey for the season and while Keary would be a great replacement it would mean the club would have to move on Ash Taylor the following year.
The Titans’ main priorities for this season are signing a centre to replace James Roberts and a bench prop.
Originally published as Broncos snatch Canberra’s next superstar Tevita Pangai Jnr
‘Show pony’: Reece Walsh slammed over NRL shocker
Reece Walsh’s performance against a Parramatta Eels side that downed the Brisbane Broncos at Suncorp Stadium has attracted backlash from fans. WHAT YOU SAID
Reining in Reece: Broncos must keep Walsh on track
Reece Walsh produced one of the worst games of his career on Friday night. Now the Broncos hierarchy have reacted and say they have a plan in place to keep Walsh in his lane.