Enforcer Tevita Pangai Jr has been linked with an incredible return to Super League just months after making the switch to rugby union.
It’s been a whirlwind few years for the 29-year-old who went from representing New South Wales in State of Origin in 2023, to hanging up the boots and taking up boxing, where he’d have three fights before returning to the NRL.
He’d make the switch to Super League for 2025, signing with Catalans Dragons, before then signing with Warrington Wolves for the 2026 season, only to then make a U-turn on that call and head to France to play rugby union.
In yet another twist, it’s now being reported by French outlet L’Independant that Pangai Jr is already seeking a return to Super League, with the report identifying either Hull FC or Hull KR as his possible destination.
Could Pangai Jr sign with the Super League champs?
A return to Super League would sum up what has been an extraordinary few years for Pangai Jr but for him to land at either Hull FC or Hull KR would be even more surprising.
Hull FC are full on their overseas quota so a move there seems unlikely and whilst Hull KR have quota space available, it’s thought that the club are close to their salary cap with NRL recruit Karl Lawton recently added.
Moreover, they signed Tom Amone from Castleford Tigers as their stand-out prop for 2026 following the retirement of Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, so adding Pangai Jr to their already impressive pack may feel like overkill.
Per L’Independant’s report, Pangai Jr did not turn up for training at his rugby union club and instead messaged them thanks before expressing his desire to return to rugby league in England, with the report naming Hull FC or Hull KR as one of the clubs in question.
Given Pangai Jr’s history over the past few years, a return to rugby league probably would not be a surprise but either of those two clubs certainly would be.
Of the teams in Super League who could do with a prop, Warrington, who he signed for before U-turning, would be one, whilst Wigan Warriors may be another given the season-long injury to recent recruit Oliver Wilson.
Check out the latest episode of The Serious About Rugby League Show on our YouTube channel here.
