Brisbane have extended the contract of exciting forward Tevita Pangai Junior for a further three years, lasting until the end of 2022.
Pangai, 23, is the latest name to pen a new deal with the Broncos, with Matt Lodge, Joe Ofahengaue, Jamayne Isaako, Patrick Carrigan, Payne Haas and Cory Paix all having recently signed long-term deals.
The Tongan international has added a powerful and flashy edge to the Broncos' system, as Brisbane continue to lock down names for the future.
“It’s good to have my future sorted – I wasn’t planning on leaving, I love the club, and they’ve welcomed me with open arms and it’s good to call this place home for the next three years,” Pangai Junior told the club's website.
“The weather is great, the fans, playing at the best stadium every week – it’s an honour and a blessing to pull on that Broncos jersey. I’m just thankful for the club for having faith in me and backing me.
“I want to work on my preparation, this is my third year in the NRL so I want to get my stuff right off the field and get that balance right and then have no excuses when I come out to play on the weekend.
“I’m a big fan of ‘Seibs’ and the how he coaches, it’s a big reason why I’m staying. We have no excuses now, we have the best facility, we play at the best stadium, we are a proud brand and it’s an honour to be here.”
Broncos’ coach Anthony Seibold said Pangai Junior’s new contract, along with a similar extension signed this week by NSW Emerging Origin prop Matt Lodge, were a great sign for the direction of the club.
Seibold said new contracts for both Pangai Junior and Lodge meant the club is positioned for an exciting future.
“We are locking in a really talented group of players who will be at the core of our success in years to come,” Seibold said.
“We see Tevita and Matt as key members of our forward pack, and we look forward to seeing them both step up every week to provide the platform we need for team success.
“They are in their early 20's and have a lot of great football ahead of them.”
Broncos' CEO Paul White also expressed his excitement for the future, following Pangai's extension.
“Tevita is one of our game’s most exciting players at his best, and he too has been working hard on improving the consistency of his performances," White added.
“He has come a long way since joining the club and we believe his commitment and professionalism will see him fulfil his huge potential in the years ahead.
Tevita is a favourite with our members and fans and we are really happy that he has settled on a long-term contract with the Broncos.”
Prolific 18-year-old outside back Xavier Coates also signed an upgraded contract with the Broncos, keeping him at Red Hill until the end of the 2021 season. Coates made his NRL debut for the Broncos in their two-point win over Cronulla on Sunday.
Well lets have a look under this fallen gum tree, great to see in this rabbit hole, they missed out on a rare pangai junior bronco.
Hahahahaha