Tevita Pangai Jr reveals wish for NRL return with Wayne Bennett at South Sydney following Catalans cameo

Tevita Pangai Jr once said he “hated Sydney”, yet he could be headed back to the Harbour City for another NRL stopover after revealing why he quit his short-term stint with the Dolphins.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 11: Tevita Pangai Junior of the Dolphins celebrates victory during the round 23 NRL match between Dolphins and New Zealand Warriors at Suncorp Stadium, on August 11, 2024, in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Matt Roberts/Getty Images)

Tevita Pangai Jr has broken his silence on quitting the Dolphins and revealed his desire to eventually return to the NRL for a possible swan song with Wayne Bennett at South Sydney.

As revealed by this masthead, Pangai Jr has signed a one-year deal with Catalans Dragons and will depart the Dolphins at season’s end – after a potential finals campaign – to play in the English Super League in 2025.

Souths-bound Dolphins mentor Bennett was hoping to take Pangai Jr from Redcliffe to Redfern, but the Rabbitohs’ salary-cap constraints meant the super coach could not table a decent offer.

That opened the door for Catalans to swoop and while Pangai Jr is fully committed to his 12-month cameo in France, the former NSW Origin enforcer says reuniting with Bennett at Souths in 2026 is an option.

“I would like to retire back in Australia,” Pangai Jr said.

“Yes, that (going to Souths in 2026) is an option if the old fella (Bennett) wants me.

Tevita Pangai Jr celebrates the Dolphins’ victory over the Warriors. Picture: Matt Roberts/Getty Images

“I love Wayne and if he was able to find a spot for me at Souths (next season), maybe that would have been an option to stay in the NRL.

“If Uncle Wayne wants me at Souths, obviously I will look at it, but I’ve still got a long process.

“I want to go over to France, get my body right and play my best football for Catalans.

“I’m looking forward to playing in the Super League and then I’ll see what’s available after this trip.”

Pangai Jr confirmed he held initial discussions with Bennett about going to South Sydney in 2025 before Catalans swooped.

Tevita Pangai Jr was tipped to sign with Souths prior to announcing a move to Catalans. Picture: Jason McCawley/Getty Images

And while the 28-year-old has previously said he “hates” living in Sydney, such is the esteem in which he holds Bennett, ‘TPJ’ would have returned to the Harbour City to chase a Souths premiership.

“I spoke to Wayne, he said he’ll enjoy his time at Souths,” he said.

“I looked at going with him but the salary cap was a big issue, so we didn’t really get into too many conversations about going there.

“I’ve copped it about my quotes about Sydney. I was sick of seeing my quotes on NRL 360 (laughs), so I’ll go to Catalans and make the most of it.

“I just wanted to do something different. It’s only a year.

Wayne Bennett is headed to Souths next year. Picture: NRL Photos

“Seeing the world is something me and my family have always wanted to do and I’m committed to doing well for Catalans.

“It’s still a tough competition over there, so I’m not going there for a holiday, I want to give them my best football.”

Pangai Jr has been a handy addition to the Dolphins since returning to the NRL two months ago from boxing and hopes to go out with a bang in the finals.

“I would love to help get the Dolphins to the finals,” he said.

“I had the option of staying at the Dolphins and there’s nothing against the club, they have been great to me, but at my age it’s a good opportunity to go overseas for a short time and see the world.

“I’d love to come back to the NRL. For now, I’m really happy at the Dolphins, we have a quality group of guys, and hopefully we can do something in the finals.”

Originally published as Tevita Pangai Jr reveals wish for NRL return with Wayne Bennett at South Sydney following Catalans cameo