Tevita Pangai Jr is set to make his return to the NRL with the Dolphins, reuniting with his former mentor Wayne Bennett, only months after leaving the sport to pursue a boxing career.
The former New South Wales representative forward had announced in August last year that he would be leaving Canterbury Bulldogs at the conclusion of the 2023 season, giving up a substantial salary of approximately $750,000 for 2024.
However, by March this year, the 28-year-old had begun expressing interest in a rugby league comeback. During this period, he was playing for the Souths Logan team in the Queensland Rugby League under the guidance of ex-NRL star Karmichael Hunt.
Reports from the Australian Associated Press last month indicated that Pangai had engaged in informal discussions with both the Brisbane Broncos and Melbourne Storm. However, on Friday, Pangai confirmed his return by signing a short-term contract with the Dolphins, reuniting with Wayne Bennett, the coach who had given him his NRL debut with the Broncos in 2016.
Bennett expressed his enthusiasm about Pangai’s return, stating, “I am really looking forward to Tevita getting back on the field, and I am so glad it is with the Dolphins. He is a good player that I have always enjoyed coaching, and I think he will be a strong addition to our squad.”
Pangai had previously played his best football under Bennett. Reflecting on his career, he mentioned how Bennett had been instrumental in his development. “In my final year under Wayne in 2018, I had my breakout season,” Pangai told AAP in May. “Wayne is like my boxing trainer Chris McCullen. He just cares for me on a personal level. He is the master. I loved playing under Wayne and had the chance to follow him to South Sydney in 2019. I said no, and sometimes I look back and feel as though I should have. Wayne understands me and knows how to get the best out of me. I would love to play under him again.”
Now, Pangai’s wish has come true. As a five-time Tongan international, he will strengthen the Dolphins’ forward pack, which has been hit by injuries to key players Tom Gilbert and Tom Flegler. Pangai is known for his versatility, capable of playing on the edge or through the middle, and has been one of the NRL’s most formidable forwards when at his best. He has made a total of 138 first-grade appearances, playing for the Broncos, Penrith Panthers, and Canterbury Bulldogs. Although he was part of the Panthers’ squad that reached the 2021 grand final, he missed the final match due to injury. Additionally, Pangai made his State of Origin debut for New South Wales in the first game of the previous year.
In addition to his rugby league career, Pangai has also pursued boxing, fighting twice while still playing NRL and three times after his initial retirement from the sport. His most recent bout ended in a loss to Kenny Niko, giving him a professional record of 4-1-0.
Pangai has a strong connection with Tonga coach Kristian Woolf, who is currently the assistant coach for the Dolphins and will succeed Bennett as the head coach next year. If Pangai performs well, he might secure a longer-term contract under Woolf. Dolphins CEO Terry Reader remarked, “That is a big thing. Tevita can help us out and we can help him out. He is back in the shop window, hopefully doing a good job, and there will then be interest to sign him (for 2025 and beyond). That could be with us as well. Tevita wants to be in a full-time NRL system and get back on the field. He played the last two games in the Queensland Cup for Souths-Logan and has been getting his match fitness up.”
Pangai’s return to the NRL with the Dolphins marks a significant chapter in his career, providing an opportunity for him to rediscover his best form under the guidance of Wayne Bennett.
