Catalans Dragons have announced the capture of Dolphins prop Tevita Pangai Junior ahead of the 2025 Super League season. Panagi Jr has penned a one-year deal with Catalans and becomes the latest big name from the NRL to make the move to Perpignan.
He’ll follow Nick Cotric, Elliott Whitehead and Luke Keary to the Stade Gilbert Brutus, with the forward becoming the club’s sixth signing ahead of next season. The move is seen as something of a coup for the French club with Pangai Jr reportedly turning down the chance to play at South Sydney Rabbitohs.
The 28-year-old will make the move to Catalans in time to take part in pre-season and he’ll be looking to make a real impact in Super League as the Dragons push to secure more silverware.
Pangai Jr started his career with Brisbane Broncos, making his debut with the Queensland club and going on to make 96 appearances before joining Penrith Panthers in 2021. The prop wasn’t part of the Panthers’ NRL winning squad that season but after linking up with Canterbury Bulldogs, he did earn a State of Origin call up, making one appearance for New South Wales in 2023.
He stepped away from the sport last year in order to pursue a boxing career, but returned in June 2024 as he penned a short-term deal with the Dolphins. Pangai Jr will be making the move to France in the coming months, though, and McNamara is delighted to have him on board.
“After numerous conversations with Tevita it was quite evident to me that he will be a sensational signing for us,” the Catalans head coach said of the club’s latest recruit. “He has a desire to be at his ultimate best in the Super League competition.
“His raw power, skill and athleticism will create chaos for opposition defences. We look forward to his arrival.”
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