A Super League star has been fined after pleading guilty to making an “offensive hand gesture” to rival fans.
Catalans Dragons have released a statement confirming that powerhouse forward Tevita Pangai Jr has been fined following the incident which came in Round Two against Warrington Wolves.
Warrington defeated Catalans 18-12 in that game with Catalans suffering their second defeat of the Super League campaign as Sam Burgess’ side won ahead of their trip to Las Vegas.
Pangai Jr has made headlines this past weekend after his impressive performance against Castleford Tigers, in which he scored a try, caught the eyes of those Down Under with the former State of Origin forward on the radar of several NRL teams for the 2026 season given that he only signed a one-year deal.
However, he’s now in the bad books with Catalans releasing a club statement about their prized forward following his actions in Round Two.
Super League star fined as club chairman punished for abusive language
Credit: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com
Posting an official statement, Catalans announced: “Tevita Pangai Jr has been fined £1,000, with half the sum suspended until the end of the 2026 season, after pleading guilty to making an offensive hand gesture towards Warrington supporters in the Round Two Betfred Super League fixture on February 21.”
The RFL shared the same statement with the governing body coming down on the prop forward for his actions back in February.
They also confirmed that Batley Bulldogs chairman Kevin Nicholas has been fined £1,000 for abusive lanaguage towards a match officials, following their 1895 Cup quarter-final against Bradford Bulls in early March.
Nicholas has made headlines since by calling the former RFL board “dysfunctional” in a strong statement of support for the club-led review of the sport, headed up by Nigel Wood as the interim chair.
Nicholas is the longest-serving chairman in the RFL and a former president of the organisation.
