BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 28: Tevita Pangai Junior of the Broncos takes on the defence of James Graham of the Dragons during the round 3 NRL match between the Brisbane Broncos and the St George Illawarra Dragons at Suncorp Stadium at Suncorp Stadium on March 28, 2019 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)
Tevita Pangai Junior claims he will not be rushed into making a contract decision, even though Brisbane has started making moves to keep him beyond this season.
The 23-year-old is the most expensive off-contract player the Broncos will have to negotiate with, after Kodi Nikorima was withdrawn from the club's salary cap calculations for next season given his move to the Warriors.
The Broncos have attempted to clear the books for the Tongan international, even though he is only named as a bench player for Friday night's game against Manly.
When questioned about his contractual future, Pangai noted a time frame hasn't been set by his manager.
“I’ll leave it to him. I’ll probably make a decision based on where I think I can play my best footy and learn the most,’’ Pangai told The Courier-Mail.
“Where I play my best footy is more important than money.’’
Asked if he thought his best football would be in a Broncos shirt, Pangai said: “I’d like to think so. I’ll wait and see.’’
Fellow prop Matt Lodge would like to see Pangai stay at the Broncos.
“If they give him enough money he might (re-sign),’’ Lodge said.
“I won’t be convincing him to leave.’’
Other off-contract players for the Broncos include Corey Oates and Alex Glenn.
The Broncos play Manly on Friday night at Suncorp Stadium.