Tevita’s Bronco deal one step closer
THE Broncos believe they are progressing well towards resigning Tevita Pangai Jnr even though the Roosters are now able to frame a high counter offer knowing that Cooper Cronk will not play next year.
The Roosters need as a priority to upgrade the salary of Latrell Mitchell, who is being linked to South Sydney, a scenario which could result in the Bondi Junction bid for Pangai being not so big that Brisbane can’t compete. Offcontract Pangai said earlier this month he wanted to be at the club which would best help his footy rather than earn him the most, adding that he was “loving it in Brisbane’’.
Brisbane need to move decisively in discussions with Pangai, 23, after re-signing Corey Oates and Joe Ofahengaue this month within a salary cap alleviated by the departure of Kodi Nikorima.
But the Broncos are well advanced in talks with Pangai’s manager, who also represents Brisbane coach Anthony Seibold and several other Red Hill players, while a decision by the big forward may be some weeks away.
Cronk’s retirement announcement yesterday did not catch Brisbane unawares and the Broncos are comfortable about their talks with Pangai.
The Broncos are also looking to upgrade Matt Lodge’s deal for next season, the last of his contract, and extend his services until the end of 2022.
Roosters players coming off contract by the end of 2020 include Mitchell, Jake Friend, Joseph Manu, Siosiua Taukeiaho, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves and Zane Tetevano.
Pangai last week said that had he wanted to follow Wayne Bennett to South Sydney, another mooted destination for the NSW hopeful, he would have done it for 2019.
“I actually supported Seibs (Seibold as a coaching candidate) to come to the Broncos,’’ he said.