Big guns stay with Broncos
BRISBANE coach Anthony Seibold says the club is building for the future after confirming the signings of workhorses Tevita Pangai Jr and Matt Lodge on mammoth three-year deals.
The club has confirmed the re-signing of Pangai Jr until the end of the 2022 season on a contract worth around $600,000 annually.
It comes after fellow young guns Matt Lodge, Patrick Carrigan, Joe Ofahengaue, Jamayne Isaako, Payne Haas and Cory Paix have each signed a long-term deal with the club this year.
Seibold said Pangai Jr was an important piece in Red Hill’s multimillion-dollar retention puzzle.
“It’s been a long process but one that’s been worth the wait in a lot of ways,” Seibold said.
“He’s really important. It wasn’t just off the back of that one game (against the Cowboys in Round 2). Tevita has so much potential.
“With Payne Haas, who’s contracted until 2024, Pat Carrigan and Joe Ofahengaue both signing for three-year deals earlier this year, it solidifies our forward pack.
“They’ve all committed long term, they haven’t just dipped the toe in.
“I’m really proud that we could keep those guys. They see where we’re trying to take the group.”
Brisbane were able to stave off a massive $1 million-a-season bid from the Warriors to retain Lodge, who has also signed a three-year contract worth around $700,000.
Pangai Jr revealed he had never planned on leaving the club and said Seibold was a big reason in opting to stay with the Broncos.
“It’s good to have my future sorted,” Pangai Jr said.
“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.
“I’m a big fan of Siebs (Seibold) and how he coaches. It’s a big reason why I’m staying.”
Seibold said the focus now was on trying to claw back inside the top eight at the end of this season.
“Ultimately, we haven’t given up on this year in any shape or form,” he said.
“We’re one win out of the top eight with nine games to go. We’ve got six home games within those nine games.’’