Locky holds key to Pangai’s future at Broncos

TEVITA Pangai Jr has told Brisbane bosses he wants to remain at Red Hill, as club legend Darren Lockyer emerges as a pivotal figure in saving the controversial forward’s career at the Broncos.

News Corp understands Pangai Jr may receive a stay of execution, with Lockyer throwing his support behind him in a stance that will ignite fierce boardroom debate.

It can be revealed Pangai Jr held talks with Lockyer on

Tuesday to discuss his future at the Broncos in the wake of his Nrl-imposed $30,000 fine for COVID-19 guideline breaches.

The Broncos board issued the Tongan Test star a breach notice with a view to tearing up his lucrative contract, which expires at the end of 2022 and is worth $2.1 million over the next three seasons.

Several Broncos board members, including chairman Karl Morris, believe Pangai Jr should be terminated, with the club giving him permission to negotiate with rival clubs immediately. But Pangai Jr is digging his heels in.

Despite interest from the Warriors and Parramatta, Pangai Jr has told Brisbane and his legal team he wants to honour his deal with the Broncos, and Lockyer shapes as a high-level trump card.

The most-capped player in Broncos history with 355 games, Lockyer provides the football intelligence on Brisbane’s board and his backing of Pangai Jr could convince Broncos hierarchy to give him one last chance.

Lockyer has been working with Pangai Jr as part of the club’s leadership training program and believes the 24-yearold can become a senior player of influence at the club.

The Broncos slapped Pangai Jr with a show-cause notice last Wednesday.

The Broncos raised three matters against Pangai Jr – his raft of suspensions, his contact with Roosters chairman Nick Politis and his failure to attend a team BBQ on the same day as his barber shop COVID breach.