NRL star to snub Wayne Bennett for Super League

It is being reported down under that Dolphins star Tevita Pangai Jr will turn down a new contract with the club in favour of a move to Super League.

Pangai Jr had called time on his NRL career at the end of the 2023 season after falling out of love with rugby league, however, he would return shortly after and has had an incredible 2024 season.

Before retirement, he had previously played for New South Wales, indicating his immense talent, however, that retirement was short-lived with Wayne Bennett coaxing him back to play at The Dolphins.

He signed a short-term deal with The Dolphins leaving him out of contract at the end of 2024 but was widely expected to follow head coach Wayne Bennett to sign for South Sydney Rabbitohs for 2025.

However, it is now being reported down under by Code Sports that Pangai Jr will instead snub the greatest ever rugby league coach and opt for a shock move to Super League.

NRL star snubs Bennett for Super League

Code Sports are reporting that Pangai Jr is set to sign a one-year deal with Catalans Dragons for the 2025 Super League season, becoming the latest in a string of NRL stars to head to Perpignan.

Luke Keary will feature for Catalans in 2025 after cancelling his announced retirement and now Pangai Jr will follow the Roosters playmaker.

It’s a major turn of events for the 28-year-old forward who can play anywhere in the pack and will add plenty of firepower to Steve McNamara’s side given they’re set to lose both English forwards Micky McIlorum and Mike McMeeken.

Pangai Jr is a six foot and three inch tall powerhouse who called time on rugby league to pursue boxing, having five bouts and winning four of those with the last being in May this year.

Since then, he’s returned to rugby league and flourished but he will now take his talents to Super League in a major snub of head coach Wayne Bennett.