BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 16: Tevita Pangai of the Broncos takes on the defence during the round 23 NRL match between the Brisbane Broncos and the South Sydney Rabbitohs at Suncorp Stadium on August 16, 2018 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)
The Newcastle Knights are targeting Broncos star Tevita Pangai Jr, according to a report by The Newcastle Herald.
It is understood that Knights officials have already touched bass with Pangai's management and held preliminary discussions and are "doing everything they can" to bring back to Newcastle.
"Yes, we've had some preliminary talks and the indication is Tevita is keen to at least consider a move back to Newcastle," Knights player list manager Troy Pezet told The Newcastle Herald.
"It's really early days and everyone will be after him. But he's got strong ties here so we'll see how it plays out."
Re-signing Kalyn Ponga and Jesse Ramien remains a priority for the Knights, but there is believed to be enough wiggle room to make an enticing offer to Pangai. However, they would have to outbid the likes of the Sydney Roosters and Brisbane.
Despite Pangai knocking back Newcastle's offer last season, Knights officials remain optimistic that he showed a genuine interest of returning to Newcastle at some stage of his career.