Rugby League News: Catalans Dragons Secure Sensational Signing of Tongan Star Tevita Pangai Jr

In a remarkable move, the Catalans Dragons have reportedly secured the services of Tongan powerhouse Tevita Pangai Jr for the 2025 season. According to the Daily Telegraph, the dynamic forward is set to join the Dragons on a one-year contract after informing the Dolphins of his intention to make the switch to Super League.

Pangai Jr’s Impressive Resume

Pangai Jr, who has made a total of 143 NRL appearances to date, returned to rugby league earlier this year after a brief stint in professional boxing. The 27-year-old prop, who was part of the Tonga squad that reached the 2017 World Cup semi-finals, made five appearances for the Dolphins in the current NRL season.

The Australia-born enforcer, who made his first-grade debut for the Brisbane Broncos in 2016, has also enjoyed spells with the Penrith Panthers and the Canterbury Bulldogs. Pangai Jr’s sole State of Origin appearance came last year, when he represented New South Wales.

A Boon for the Catalans Dragons

This high-profile signing is the latest in a raft of impressive recruits for the Catalans Dragons, who have already confirmed the signings of Luke Keary, Elliott Whitehead, Nick Cotric, Ollie Partington, and Tommy Makinson for the 2025 season and beyond.

“This signing is a real coup for the club and demonstrates our ambition to continue building a squad capable of challenging for major honors,” said a spokesperson for the Catalans Dragons.

Departing Players

Meanwhile, the club will bid farewell to several long-serving players at the end of the 2024 season, with Tom Johnstone and Mike McMeeken heading to Wakefield Trinity, and Micky McIlorum and Tom Davies set to join Hull KR.

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