The Dolphins have added considerable strike power to their quest to make the NRL finals with the signing of international forward Tevita Pangai junior.
Pangai has today inked a contract that will cover the rest of the 2024 season, with the 28-year-old to transfer across from QRL club Souths Logan Magpies next week.
Pangai will start training with the Dolphins when they return from their bye on Monday.
The 2023 NSW State of Origin representative is finished with boxing and is making the move towards being a full-time NRL player again.
For the Dolphins, the signing of the Tongan international adds starch to a forward pack that is already missing Tom Gilbert for the season with a knee injury and dealing with the long-term shoulder problem of Thomas Flegler.
Dolphins’ coach Wayne Bennett said he was certain Pangai could provide some impact for the team, who sit in fourth position on the NRL ladder at the halfway point of the season.
“I am really looking forward to Tevita getting back on the field and I am so glad it is with the Dolphins,” said Bennett.
“He is a good player that I have always enjoyed coaching, and I think he will be a strong addition to our squad.”
Bennett originally recruited Pangai to the Broncos in 2016, where he played 96 NRL games before leaving in 2021.
He had stints with the Panthers in 2021 and the Bulldogs in 2022-23 before focusing on a professional boxing career.
Pangai also has a relationship with Dolphins current assistant coach and head coach in waiting, Kristian Woolf – just another reason for his move to the Dolphins.
Woolf has coached Pangai in six Tests for Tonga.
“I am very much looking forward to being coached by both Wayne and Kristian Woolf as I have a long history with both of them,” said Pangai.
“I am excited about being back in the NRL again and re-establishing myself as a full-time NRL player, as well as being part of what the Dolphins could do this season.”