Rabbitohs set sights on Bronco
Photo: Bradley Kanaris/Getty
RUGBY LEAGUE: Tevita Pangai Jr has emerged as South Sydney’s first Broncos recruitment target, with the Rabbitohs hoping unwanted coach Wayne Bennett can lure the Tongan sensation to Redfern.
Bennett will join the Rabbitohs on a two-year deal from 2020 and the pulling power of the seven-time premiership winning coach is expected to deliver big-name signings at South Sydney.
The likes of Broncos stars Pangai Jr, NSW Origin centre James Roberts, prop Matt Lodge and captain Darius Boyd have been open about the influence Bennett has had on their decision to join the Broncos.
Pangai Jr, 22, phoned Bennett while playing for Canberra to express his desire to be coached by Bennett at the Broncos.
And the fact he will only sign a one-year deal to remain at the Broncos in 2019 will allow the Rabbitohs to launch a poaching bid, regardless of whether Bennett is personally involved in luring Pangai Jr south.
Rabbitohs boss Shane Richardson said Bennett would give the club enormous clout in the recruitment market.
“Wayne has pulling power with players,” he said. “Most of our players are signed for 2020. We’re in the middle of negotiations with (Test hooker) Damien Cook, but Wayne will only help (in) keeping him.
“The Burgess twins (Tom and George) are off-contract ... (but) they love being under Wayne in the England team so that is another plus for us.
Pangai Jr confirmed last week he would re-sign with the Broncos for 2019 but was cryptic when asked if he would remain without Bennett at the helm.
While Boyd followed Bennett to the Dragons and Knights, it is unlikely he will join him at Souths.