Tevita Pangai Junior

[GarryOwen]

That’s the issue isn’t it - we have repeatedly done this stuff out in the open for no reason. As a result the media coverage and speculation jumps up another gear, and the fan expectation is raised as well. Thus the letdown is all the more heartfelt in turn.

The player managers put it out in the media. Clubs don't do it on purpose, none of them do. All clubs would keep it perfectly quiet if they could, but player managers use the media to try and manipulate dealings with clubs, put pressure on clubs.

There will always be stories written, and you're right that the agents will be the ones feeding the majority. But our chairman has commented publicly on all three of these now, when he really didn't need to say anything.

I don't see that it matters whether Lee makes comments or not. Is anyone trying to say that the number of anti-Tigers articles has gone up since Lee got involved? That people weren't calling Tigers a basket-case way before Lee was Chairperson? Were Tigers consistently signing high-profile recruits in the pre-Lee era?

The only thing I can see is some fans get embarrassed when someone like Lee makes a statement. wrt TPJ, Lee didn't even say anything spectacular, he just said Tigers had discussions and had moved in another direction. I don't see any disadvantage for saying something like this, considering it was all through the media - I don't think anyone believed Tigers were not talking to TPJ.

But some fans seem to get triggered, as if it makes a difference whether or not Lee admits something. Now the day he comes out and says "oh boy we are going to sign TPJ for sure", then yes that's a stupid comment. I don't think Lee has had his "Manchester United of the NRL" moment yet. But the guy is a lawyer, for all his reported ego or enjoyment getting into the public eye, he knows how to qualify his comments.

So if Lee says nothing ever, I still don't believe Tigers end up signings Latrell, JAC or TPJ. Those negotiations were based on money and opportunity, not on Lee Hagipantelis.

You're right on the media coverage - especially now that 9Fairfax is so tabloid focussed, it's all just a sea of gossip. No greater example than the Hooper nonsense from last night.

As for LH speaking in public, I don't think the TPJ saga is overly egregious in itself, at least not from his perspective. He said that we had moved on, that's fair enough I suppose. We also briefed a few reporters (Nicolussi among others) that we had moved on due to character and him not being deemed a good fit. Again, fair enough, in a vacuum.
The issue arises when we then go back in for him a week or so later. Unsurprisingly, he chooses the option that hasn't denigrated his character in the media. I'm sure there were other factors to the decision, but that certainly wouldn't have helped.

The Foxx and LM issues were ridiculous and have been done to death.

 

[TigerWest]

That’s the issue isn’t it - we have repeatedly done this stuff out in the open for no reason. As a result the media coverage and speculation jumps up another gear, and the fan expectation is raised as well. Thus the letdown is all the more heartfelt in turn.

The player managers put it out in the media. Clubs don't do it on purpose, none of them do. All clubs would keep it perfectly quiet if they could, but player managers use the media to try and manipulate dealings with clubs, put pressure on clubs.

There will always be stories written, and you're right that the agents will be the ones feeding the majority. But our chairman has commented publicly on all three of these now, when he really didn't need to say anything.

I don't see that it matters whether Lee makes comments or not. Is anyone trying to say that the number of anti-Tigers articles has gone up since Lee got involved? That people weren't calling Tigers a basket-case way before Lee was Chairperson? Were Tigers consistently signing high-profile recruits in the pre-Lee era?

The only thing I can see is some fans get embarrassed when someone like Lee makes a statement. wrt TPJ, Lee didn't even say anything spectacular, he just said Tigers had discussions and had moved in another direction. I don't see any disadvantage for saying something like this, considering it was all through the media - I don't think anyone believed Tigers were not talking to TPJ.

But some fans seem to get triggered, as if it makes a difference whether or not Lee admits something. Now the day he comes out and says "oh boy we are going to sign TPJ for sure", then yes that's a stupid comment. I don't think Lee has had his "Manchester United of the NRL" moment yet. But the guy is a lawyer, for all his reported ego or enjoyment getting into the public eye, he knows how to qualify his comments.

So if Lee says nothing ever, I still don't believe Tigers end up signings Latrell, JAC or TPJ. Those negotiations were based on money and opportunity, not on Lee Hagipantelis.

You're right on the media coverage - especially now that 9Fairfax is so tabloid focussed, it's all just a sea of gossip. No greater example than the Hooper nonsense from last night.

As for LH speaking in public, I don't think the TPJ saga is overly egregious in itself, at least not from his perspective. He said that we had moved on, that's fair enough I suppose. We also briefed a few reporters (Nicolussi among others) that we had moved on due to character and him not being deemed a good fit. Again, fair enough, in a vacuum.
The issue arises when we then go back in for him a week or so later. Unsurprisingly, he chooses the option that hasn't denigrated his character in the media. I'm sure there were other factors to the decision, but that certainly wouldn't have helped.

The Foxx and LM issues were ridiculous and have been done to death.

Why did we go back?

Was it us or them that requested this? I’d be surprised if we went back on own accord?

 

[GarryOwen]

That’s the issue isn’t it - we have repeatedly done this stuff out in the open for no reason. As a result the media coverage and speculation jumps up another gear, and the fan expectation is raised as well. Thus the letdown is all the more heartfelt in turn.

The player managers put it out in the media. Clubs don't do it on purpose, none of them do. All clubs would keep it perfectly quiet if they could, but player managers use the media to try and manipulate dealings with clubs, put pressure on clubs.

There will always be stories written, and you're right that the agents will be the ones feeding the majority. But our chairman has commented publicly on all three of these now, when he really didn't need to say anything.

I don't see that it matters whether Lee makes comments or not. Is anyone trying to say that the number of anti-Tigers articles has gone up since Lee got involved? That people weren't calling Tigers a basket-case way before Lee was Chairperson? Were Tigers consistently signing high-profile recruits in the pre-Lee era?

The only thing I can see is some fans get embarrassed when someone like Lee makes a statement. wrt TPJ, Lee didn't even say anything spectacular, he just said Tigers had discussions and had moved in another direction. I don't see any disadvantage for saying something like this, considering it was all through the media - I don't think anyone believed Tigers were not talking to TPJ.

But some fans seem to get triggered, as if it makes a difference whether or not Lee admits something. Now the day he comes out and says "oh boy we are going to sign TPJ for sure", then yes that's a stupid comment. I don't think Lee has had his "Manchester United of the NRL" moment yet. But the guy is a lawyer, for all his reported ego or enjoyment getting into the public eye, he knows how to qualify his comments.

So if Lee says nothing ever, I still don't believe Tigers end up signings Latrell, JAC or TPJ. Those negotiations were based on money and opportunity, not on Lee Hagipantelis.

You're right on the media coverage - especially now that 9Fairfax is so tabloid focussed, it's all just a sea of gossip. No greater example than the Hooper nonsense from last night.

As for LH speaking in public, I don't think the TPJ saga is overly egregious in itself, at least not from his perspective. He said that we had moved on, that's fair enough I suppose. We also briefed a few reporters (Nicolussi among others) that we had moved on due to character and him not being deemed a good fit. Again, fair enough, in a vacuum.
The issue arises when we then go back in for him a week or so later. Unsurprisingly, he chooses the option that hasn't denigrated his character in the media. I'm sure there were other factors to the decision, but that certainly wouldn't have helped.

The Foxx and LM issues were ridiculous and have been done to death.

Why did we go back?

Was it us or them that requested this? I’d be surprised if we went back on own accord?

Unclear.
I believe Brent Read reported that we were asked to come back, but I'm not going to shell out for an Oz subscription for such things.
Chammas said it was the other way around.
Read is obviously the club's mouthpiece, and Chammas the agent's.

 

[Cairnstigers]

Top team bringing in players from bottom teams for the finals is not why we have mid season transfers.

Hope if back fires on Penrith. Can't imagine morale would be good if TPJ holds his spot in the team as a hired gun while someone who has played for the team all season has to sit out.

He could get suspended for 12 weeks in the final game
That would be gold

 

[Spartan117]

It's time to move on, the one we were keen on is now dating someone else.

 

[Don Kershane]

Do the Mongols have a Penrith Chapter?

 

[coivtny]

Off to the riff for a brief stay...

Tevita Pangai Jnr short team deal with Panthers is on track - complete in next 24 hours. Provided no late hitch able to play for Panthers against Roosters. @9NewsSyd @NRLonNine

This feels very dirty. Like SBW to the Roosters did.

Personally Used to it having followed the NBA for Over 25 years. Assuming NFL is the same (don't follow it)

I've followed the NFL for many years and have never noticed it. Players are traded mid season but not for short term deals to prop up a title bid. Don't recall it happening in MLB either.

 

[Littlebittipsy]

DT having another dig at us reg Pangai. How we botched the deal. Anyone have access the paywall article?

 

[avocadoontoast]

How Wests Tigers botched chance to sign Brisbane Broncos forward Tevita Pangai Jr

Two key mistakes in the Wests Tigers’ pursuit of Tevita Pangai Jr have exposed the failings of the club’s recruitment strategy.

David Riccio



The Wests Tigers’ indecisiveness over Tevita Pangai Jr and suggestions through the media that he wasn’t a good fit cost the club his signature.

In yet another recruitment blow for the Tigers, Pangai Jr phoned coach Michael Maguire on Tuesday to deliver the news that he was headed to the Canterbury Bulldogs on a three-year deal from 2022.

The Tongan international’s swift departure from the Broncos after six years also includes an immediate pit-stop at Penrith, where he will play for the remainder of the season.

Pangai Jr could be named on the Panthers interchange bench on Tuesday to face title-favourites Melbourne next weekend. Otherwise, he will be on deck to take on the Sydney Roosters the following week.

The Bulldogs are rejoicing in their key acquisition but the story that continues to prove cruel is the Tigers recruitment process that has again fallen short.

It was reported in late-May by Fox Sports that the Tigers hierarchy had attempted a stealth-like mission to sign Pangai Jr and his Broncos teammate Jamayne Isaako.

The meeting was immediately hosed down by the Broncos, who claimed both players had merely met Maguire – the Kiwi Test coach – to discuss international football matters.

The Broncos also claimed the pair were in their plans for next season.

However, within the space of three weeks, Pangai Jr was told he had permission to negotiate with rival clubs – and possibly earn a release from the remainder of his 2021 and 2202 contract.

It was considered a given that the Tigers, having already commenced the recruitment process, would prove untroubled in getting the deal done.

However, on July 1, a Sydney journalist posted on Twitter that the Tigers, after doing “their homework” were no longer interested in Pangai Jr because he “wasn’t a good fit for them.’’

The post sent alarm bells to Pangai Jr.

Despite this, the Tigers then seemingly changed their mind again, believed to be at the behest of Maguire, who was determined to land the damaging forward.

Pangai Jr enjoyed his conversations with Maguire, but the young forward couldn’t ignore the messaging emanating out of the club.

That’s why the 25-year-old decided to break the news personally to Maguire that he was headed to Belmore.

Wests Tigers chairman Lee Hagipantelis told News Corp the Tigers were disappointed to miss Pangai Jr.

“I’ll just echo Michael Maguire’s comments that Tevita is a quality player and he would’ve been a very nice addition to our roster, but it wasn’t meant to be,’’ Hagipantelis said.

“The club remains active in that space.”

 

[Viking Warrior]

DT having another dig at us reg Pangai. How we botched the deal. Anyone have access the paywall article?

Dt just trying to sell papers. My only gripe will be if the club takes on some of the Bulldogs rejects so they get cap space.

 

[Telltails]

How Wests Tigers botched chance to sign Brisbane Broncos forward Tevita Pangai Jr

Two key mistakes in the Wests Tigers’ pursuit of Tevita Pangai Jr have exposed the failings of the club’s recruitment strategy.

David Riccio



The Wests Tigers’ indecisiveness over Tevita Pangai Jr and suggestions through the media that he wasn’t a good fit cost the club his signature.

In yet another recruitment blow for the Tigers, Pangai Jr phoned coach Michael Maguire on Tuesday to deliver the news that he was headed to the Canterbury Bulldogs on a three-year deal from 2022.

The Tongan international’s swift departure from the Broncos after six years also includes an immediate pit-stop at Penrith, where he will play for the remainder of the season.

Pangai Jr could be named on the Panthers interchange bench on Tuesday to face title-favourites Melbourne next weekend. Otherwise, he will be on deck to take on the Sydney Roosters the following week.

The Bulldogs are rejoicing in their key acquisition but the story that continues to prove cruel is the Tigers recruitment process that has again fallen short.

It was reported in late-May by Fox Sports that the Tigers hierarchy had attempted a stealth-like mission to sign Pangai Jr and his Broncos teammate Jamayne Isaako.

The meeting was immediately hosed down by the Broncos, who claimed both players had merely met Maguire – the Kiwi Test coach – to discuss international football matters.

The Broncos also claimed the pair were in their plans for next season.

However, within the space of three weeks, Pangai Jr was told he had permission to negotiate with rival clubs – and possibly earn a release from the remainder of his 2021 and 2202 contract.

It was considered a given that the Tigers, having already commenced the recruitment process, would prove untroubled in getting the deal done.

However, on July 1, a Sydney journalist posted on Twitter that the Tigers, after doing “their homework” were no longer interested in Pangai Jr because he “wasn’t a good fit for them.’’

The post sent alarm bells to Pangai Jr.

Despite this, the Tigers then seemingly changed their mind again, believed to be at the behest of Maguire, who was determined to land the damaging forward.

Pangai Jr enjoyed his conversations with Maguire, but the young forward couldn’t ignore the messaging emanating out of the club.

That’s why the 25-year-old decided to break the news personally to Maguire that he was headed to Belmore.

Wests Tigers chairman Lee Hagipantelis told News Corp the Tigers were disappointed to miss Pangai Jr.

“I’ll just echo Michael Maguire’s comments that Tevita is a quality player and he would’ve been a very nice addition to our roster, but it wasn’t meant to be,’’ Hagipantelis said.

“The club remains active in that space.”

So can't blame Maguire for this one - that's if you choose to believe this piece of NRL gossip.

 

[avocadoontoast]

How Wests Tigers botched chance to sign Brisbane Broncos forward Tevita Pangai Jr

Two key mistakes in the Wests Tigers’ pursuit of Tevita Pangai Jr have exposed the failings of the club’s recruitment strategy.

David Riccio



The Wests Tigers’ indecisiveness over Tevita Pangai Jr and suggestions through the media that he wasn’t a good fit cost the club his signature.

In yet another recruitment blow for the Tigers, Pangai Jr phoned coach Michael Maguire on Tuesday to deliver the news that he was headed to the Canterbury Bulldogs on a three-year deal from 2022.

The Tongan international’s swift departure from the Broncos after six years also includes an immediate pit-stop at Penrith, where he will play for the remainder of the season.

Pangai Jr could be named on the Panthers interchange bench on Tuesday to face title-favourites Melbourne next weekend. Otherwise, he will be on deck to take on the Sydney Roosters the following week.

The Bulldogs are rejoicing in their key acquisition but the story that continues to prove cruel is the Tigers recruitment process that has again fallen short.

It was reported in late-May by Fox Sports that the Tigers hierarchy had attempted a stealth-like mission to sign Pangai Jr and his Broncos teammate Jamayne Isaako.

The meeting was immediately hosed down by the Broncos, who claimed both players had merely met Maguire – the Kiwi Test coach – to discuss international football matters.

The Broncos also claimed the pair were in their plans for next season.

However, within the space of three weeks, Pangai Jr was told he had permission to negotiate with rival clubs – and possibly earn a release from the remainder of his 2021 and 2202 contract.

It was considered a given that the Tigers, having already commenced the recruitment process, would prove untroubled in getting the deal done.

However, on July 1, a Sydney journalist posted on Twitter that the Tigers, after doing “their homework” were no longer interested in Pangai Jr because he “wasn’t a good fit for them.’’

The post sent alarm bells to Pangai Jr.

Despite this, the Tigers then seemingly changed their mind again, believed to be at the behest of Maguire, who was determined to land the damaging forward.

Pangai Jr enjoyed his conversations with Maguire, but the young forward couldn’t ignore the messaging emanating out of the club.

That’s why the 25-year-old decided to break the news personally to Maguire that he was headed to Belmore.

Wests Tigers chairman Lee Hagipantelis told News Corp the Tigers were disappointed to miss Pangai Jr.

“I’ll just echo Michael Maguire’s comments that Tevita is a quality player and he would’ve been a very nice addition to our roster, but it wasn’t meant to be,’’ Hagipantelis said.

“The club remains active in that space.”

So can't blame Maguire for this one - that's if you choose to believe this piece of NRL gossip.

Nope I don't think this is Madge's fault at all.

 

[Geo]

The funny thing is the words by the journalist on Twitter 'after doing “their homework” were no longer interested in Pangai Jr because he “wasn’t a good fit for them.’’'

Were never said by anyone at Wests Tigers..

 

[jirskyr]

That’s the issue isn’t it - we have repeatedly done this stuff out in the open for no reason. As a result the media coverage and speculation jumps up another gear, and the fan expectation is raised as well. Thus the letdown is all the more heartfelt in turn.

The player managers put it out in the media. Clubs don't do it on purpose, none of them do. All clubs would keep it perfectly quiet if they could, but player managers use the media to try and manipulate dealings with clubs, put pressure on clubs.

There will always be stories written, and you're right that the agents will be the ones feeding the majority. But our chairman has commented publicly on all three of these now, when he really didn't need to say anything.

I don't see that it matters whether Lee makes comments or not. Is anyone trying to say that the number of anti-Tigers articles has gone up since Lee got involved? That people weren't calling Tigers a basket-case way before Lee was Chairperson? Were Tigers consistently signing high-profile recruits in the pre-Lee era?

The only thing I can see is some fans get embarrassed when someone like Lee makes a statement. wrt TPJ, Lee didn't even say anything spectacular, he just said Tigers had discussions and had moved in another direction. I don't see any disadvantage for saying something like this, considering it was all through the media - I don't think anyone believed Tigers were not talking to TPJ.

But some fans seem to get triggered, as if it makes a difference whether or not Lee admits something. Now the day he comes out and says "oh boy we are going to sign TPJ for sure", then yes that's a stupid comment. I don't think Lee has had his "Manchester United of the NRL" moment yet. But the guy is a lawyer, for all his reported ego or enjoyment getting into the public eye, he knows how to qualify his comments.

So if Lee says nothing ever, I still don't believe Tigers end up signings Latrell, JAC or TPJ. Those negotiations were based on money and opportunity, not on Lee Hagipantelis.

This isn't difficult stuff.

You make no comment to the media regarding players contracted to other clubs until you have their signature on a legally binding document.

Anything else is completely unprofessional.

Why is it unprofessional? I can't get to the bottom of what your issue is, apart from personal embarrassment.

In any recruitment process the privacy of all parties involved needs to be respected. Negotiations are difficult and intricate and public comment can easily jeopardize this at any point.

Its got nothing to do with personal embarrassment but if you don't think the chairman saying we are moving in another direction only to go back to the agent with another offer is a bad look for the club then I guess your expectations are different to mine.

To turn it round slightly what is to be gained from the chairman making public pronouncements like this?

I'll say it again - did the club ever confirm that they completely withdrew interest in TPJ and then went back to negotiations? "Moving in another direction" from Lee has context - you are allowed to change your mind, or change your position if circumstances change. There's nothing definitive from "moving in another direction".

It could even have been a tactic to force TPJ's manager's hand. He may have been stalling and Tigers making a small public comment could have called their bluff.

But I am not presuming or asserting anything about what happened. He just didn't sign on. The hows and whys are not going to be known external to the club and therefore I believe it becomes pointless to be upset about the process of which you know basically nothing about.

Let the club worry about whether or not something is embarrassing to them.

What is to be gained by making public pronouncements? You get some control over the narrative. Surely you have been around long enough to be aware that Tigers are an NRL punching bag in the media and it has nothing to do with any personnel or any attribute of the club EXCEPT failure to make finals. If we made a few finals series the past few years the media would have far less to say, but we are a club with high following and it's an easy score to write a critical Tigers article.

The Tigers used to not ever say a thing, never. There were sometimes lots of leaks, sometimes less leaks, generally Tigers didn't say much at all. It didn't stop the innuendo, in fact I personally think the rumour and innuendo was worse 3-4 years ago, especially around the time of Taylor being punted and Cleary making his deals / failing to secure the top players.

 

[cochise]

My understanding of the situation is that the Tigers didn't put in an offer for TPJ because his asking price was more than the club was willing to pay and they felt he was trying to double dip in relation to a TPA arrangement. They club decided to walk away, this was about 3 weeks ago.

TPJ came back to the club with a revised amount because he was keen to play under Madge, which led to negotiations restarting. TPJ then decided to go with the Bulldogs.

 

[Demps]

Exciting times as a tigers supporter lmao

Who is next

Zac Lomax
Hudson Young
Joe Tapine

🔥🔥🔥

 

[jirskyr]

How Wests Tigers botched chance to sign Brisbane Broncos forward Tevita Pangai Jr

Two key mistakes in the Wests Tigers’ pursuit of Tevita Pangai Jr have exposed the failings of the club’s recruitment strategy.

David Riccio



The Wests Tigers’ indecisiveness over Tevita Pangai Jr and suggestions through the media that he wasn’t a good fit cost the club his signature.

In yet another recruitment blow for the Tigers, Pangai Jr phoned coach Michael Maguire on Tuesday to deliver the news that he was headed to the Canterbury Bulldogs on a three-year deal from 2022.

The Tongan international’s swift departure from the Broncos after six years also includes an immediate pit-stop at Penrith, where he will play for the remainder of the season.

Pangai Jr could be named on the Panthers interchange bench on Tuesday to face title-favourites Melbourne next weekend. Otherwise, he will be on deck to take on the Sydney Roosters the following week.

The Bulldogs are rejoicing in their key acquisition but the story that continues to prove cruel is the Tigers recruitment process that has again fallen short.

It was reported in late-May by Fox Sports that the Tigers hierarchy had attempted a stealth-like mission to sign Pangai Jr and his Broncos teammate Jamayne Isaako.

The meeting was immediately hosed down by the Broncos, who claimed both players had merely met Maguire – the Kiwi Test coach – to discuss international football matters.

The Broncos also claimed the pair were in their plans for next season.

However, within the space of three weeks, Pangai Jr was told he had permission to negotiate with rival clubs – and possibly earn a release from the remainder of his 2021 and 2202 contract.

It was considered a given that the Tigers, having already commenced the recruitment process, would prove untroubled in getting the deal done.

However, on July 1, a Sydney journalist posted on Twitter that the Tigers, after doing “their homework” were no longer interested in Pangai Jr because he “wasn’t a good fit for them.’’

The post sent alarm bells to Pangai Jr.

Despite this, the Tigers then seemingly changed their mind again, believed to be at the behest of Maguire, who was determined to land the damaging forward.

Pangai Jr enjoyed his conversations with Maguire, but the young forward couldn’t ignore the messaging emanating out of the club.

That’s why the 25-year-old decided to break the news personally to Maguire that he was headed to Belmore.

Wests Tigers chairman Lee Hagipantelis told News Corp the Tigers were disappointed to miss Pangai Jr.

“I’ll just echo Michael Maguire’s comments that Tevita is a quality player and he would’ve been a very nice addition to our roster, but it wasn’t meant to be,’’ Hagipantelis said.

“The club remains active in that space.”

What a bunch of baloney. Tevita Pangai gets alarm bells from what a journo writes on twitter. He could just have his manager call the Tigers. I thought we were supposed to be avoiding players who were walking on eggshells.

I'll tell you what "the messaging emanating out the club" was - you are a terrific talent but also a massive risk, you've just been released from one of the worst teams in the comp, and we have a certain dollar value above which we don't budge. That's the reality of Tevita Pangai, he's been around long enough.

One quote from the club only, amongst speculation "wasn't meant to be".

 

[avocadoontoast]

The funny thing is the words by the journalist on Twitter 'after doing “their homework” were no longer interested in Pangai Jr because he “wasn’t a good fit for them.’’'

Were never said by anyone at Wests Tigers..

Nicolussi was asked about that tonight on twitter and his response was "can only report what the club told me".

 

[hank37w]

Regardless of anything else TPJ is a player we identified as one we wanted, publicly courted him and ultimately missed out on to the wooden spooners.

It’s another embarrassment for the club to go on top of a growing pile of them.

I don’t think it is an embarrassment at all. We put a value on TPJ of what he was worth to the club and that’s what we offered. Another club thought he was worth more and made their offer and so he went there instead.

I for one am glad we are no longer paying overs just to get someone. Instead we place a value on their worth to the club and that’s what we offer. The player either accepts that offer or goes elsewhere. I am very happy with that process.

We offered the same as bulldogs in our revised deal. By the sounds of it he went there because of Gould and the players they've signed for next year

What about Gildart and Jacko?

TPJ would have absolutely no idea who they are ?

The boof head has absolutely no idea about anything.

Probably thinks that the Bulldogs are a Chapter of the Monguls MC.

 

[Littlebittipsy]

How Wests Tigers botched chance to sign Brisbane Broncos forward Tevita Pangai Jr

Two key mistakes in the Wests Tigers’ pursuit of Tevita Pangai Jr have exposed the failings of the club’s recruitment strategy.

David Riccio



The Wests Tigers’ indecisiveness over Tevita Pangai Jr and suggestions through the media that he wasn’t a good fit cost the club his signature.

In yet another recruitment blow for the Tigers, Pangai Jr phoned coach Michael Maguire on Tuesday to deliver the news that he was headed to the Canterbury Bulldogs on a three-year deal from 2022.

The Tongan international’s swift departure from the Broncos after six years also includes an immediate pit-stop at Penrith, where he will play for the remainder of the season.

Pangai Jr could be named on the Panthers interchange bench on Tuesday to face title-favourites Melbourne next weekend. Otherwise, he will be on deck to take on the Sydney Roosters the following week.

The Bulldogs are rejoicing in their key acquisition but the story that continues to prove cruel is the Tigers recruitment process that has again fallen short.

It was reported in late-May by Fox Sports that the Tigers hierarchy had attempted a stealth-like mission to sign Pangai Jr and his Broncos teammate Jamayne Isaako.

The meeting was immediately hosed down by the Broncos, who claimed both players had merely met Maguire – the Kiwi Test coach – to discuss international football matters.

The Broncos also claimed the pair were in their plans for next season.

However, within the space of three weeks, Pangai Jr was told he had permission to negotiate with rival clubs – and possibly earn a release from the remainder of his 2021 and 2202 contract.

It was considered a given that the Tigers, having already commenced the recruitment process, would prove untroubled in getting the deal done.

However, on July 1, a Sydney journalist posted on Twitter that the Tigers, after doing “their homework” were no longer interested in Pangai Jr because he “wasn’t a good fit for them.’’

The post sent alarm bells to Pangai Jr.

Despite this, the Tigers then seemingly changed their mind again, believed to be at the behest of Maguire, who was determined to land the damaging forward.

Pangai Jr enjoyed his conversations with Maguire, but the young forward couldn’t ignore the messaging emanating out of the club.

That’s why the 25-year-old decided to break the news personally to Maguire that he was headed to Belmore.

Wests Tigers chairman Lee Hagipantelis told News Corp the Tigers were disappointed to miss Pangai Jr.

“I’ll just echo Michael Maguire’s comments that Tevita is a quality player and he would’ve been a very nice addition to our roster, but it wasn’t meant to be,’’ Hagipantelis said.

“The club remains active in that space.”

Thanks for posting