Bulldogs forward Tevita Pangai Jr quits NRL to pursue boxing career

One of the Bulldogs’ most talented players has dropped a bombshell, quitting the NRL to pursue a shock cross-code switch.

BUNDABERG, AUSTRALIA - JULY 30: Tevita Pangai Junior of the Bulldogs looks on during the round 22 NRL match between Canterbury Bulldogs and Dolphins at Salter Oval on July 30, 2023 in Bundaberg, Australia. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)

Canterbury Bulldogs forward Tevita Pangai Jr has dropped a bombshell on the NRL, quitting rugby league to pursue a professional boxing career.

The Daily Telegraph reports the 27-year-old will play out the season with the Bulldogs before quitting rugby league with a year to run on his $750,000 contract.

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The round 27 clash between the Bulldogs and Gold Coast Titans will be Pangai’s last NRL game before he turns his attention to a full-time boxing career.

The imposing forward made his debut for the Brisbane Broncos in 2016 before playing six games for Penrith and then moving to the Bulldogs.

Pangai Jr made his State of Origin debut for NSW in this year’s series opener but only played one game for the Blues.

Tevita Pangai Jr is quitting rugby league. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)

His NRL career will be remembered as one where he struggled to reach his potential as one of the most damaging forwards in the game.

Pangai Jr has won his two professional boxing fights via knockouts — his most recent coming against Jeremiah Tupai-ui in the second round on the Mark Hunt undercard in November.

The Daily Telegraph reports the man Hunt beat that night, Bulldogs premiership winner-turned boxer Sonny Bill Williams, is close with Pangai Jr.

Pangai Jr would aim to fill the shoes of Paul Gallen, who amassed a huge personal fortune and exceeded expectations with his boxing career following his retirement from the NRL.

Tevita Pangai Jr has shown potential in the boxing ring. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

Boxing promoters have been desperate for the next cross code football star and have tested the waters with fights featuring former Broncos Justin Hodges and Ben Hannant, ex-AFL stars Cameron Mooney and Tom Bellchambers, and AFLW star Tayla Harris.

While Bellchambers showed potential in his win over Mooney, Harris recently lost for the first time, exposing a dearth of footy stars who also have talent in the ring.

Pangai Jr’s shock departure opens the door for the Bulldogs to pursue Payne Haas after the star Broncos prop decided to explore the open market in search of a mega payday.

It also continues the rapid turnover of players on Canterbury’s roster — 67 players have been contracted since Phil Gould began as general manager of football in 2021.

The Bulldogs are 15th on the NRL ladder in Cameron Ciraldo’s second season as coach.

Meanwhile, Storm enforcer Nelson Asofa-Solomona will make his boxing debut in Townsville in October on a card headlined by Paulo Aokuso and featuring other NRL stars Jason Taumalolo and Junior Paulo.