Tevita Pangai Junior has officially signed with Queensland Cup side the Souths Logan Magpies.
Souths announced their high-profile recruit, who played for them when he was dropped by the Broncos in 2021, on social media on Thursday night by declaring “it’s official”.
“Welcome back to ‘The Nest’ Tevita, we look forward to helping you in the next chapter of your Rugby League journey,” the post read.
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The Magpies, coached by cross-code international Karmichael Hunt, is a feeder club to the Brisbane Broncos.
Pangai Junior announced his shock retirement from rugby league in August, walking out on a $750,000 contract with the Bulldogs for this year to chase a boxing career.
The 28-year-old formally announced his next fight on Monday. He will take on Kiwi Raphael at JBS Basketball Arena, Ipswich on Saturday, March 23.
He then hopes to pull on a Magpies jersey in April and work towards a potential return to the NRL via the Broncos.
“Obviously there’s great coaching there in Karmichael Hunt,” Pangai Junior told reporters.
“I was lucky enough to play some games (for the Magpies) before the big Broncos bosses kicked me out.
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“Justin Hodges, we all know what a good competitor he is and what he’s done in the ring as well.
“I’ll probably go back to Souths Logan… hopefully get a win (in boxing) and then two weeks after that look at going back to play some footy.”
Pangai Junior is still happy with his decision to walk away from $750,000 saying “no, how much money do you need?” when asked whether he had any regrets.
It comes after Pangai Junior was spotted watching a Broncos training session in January. He then told News Corp that he hadn’t ruled out playing NRL again and was confident he could juggle it with his boxing commitments.
Souths Logan kick off their season on Saturday, March 9 against the Redcliffe Dolphins. Pangai Junior could be parachuted into the team for their Round 5 clash with Sunshine Coat on April 13, following a bye in Round 4.
Source Agencies
