Brisbane re-sign ‘the next Jason Taumalolo’

Drew Darbyshire

Brisbane have handed Tonga powerhouse Tevita Pangai Junior a new one-year deal.

The 22-year-old is one of the hottest prospects in the game, with many tipping him to become ‘the next Jason Taumalolo’.

Pangai, who has played 55 games for Brisbane, wants to have a huge 2019 campaign, with the aim of securing a long-term deal on the back of it.

On extending his stay at the Broncos, Pangai said: “I’m a Brisbane Bronco, obviously I want to stay – I’m going to be working hard to get another contract.

“I just feel this was the best place that I can play my football – I’m happy here so I didn’t want to change too much.

“I was also really excited when I heard that Anthony Seibold was coming to the club with his staff – I feel like he can really help me, he’s really big on the effort and defensive areas, so it’s going to be a good step forward.

“I’ve worked with [Seibold] before in the Junior Kangaroos and he’s really good at explaining weaknesses in the other team and making sure that we are doing all the little things – that’s his main focus and he’s holding us accountable to that.”

Pangai has already earned four caps for Tonga, scoring two tries.