Tevita Pangai Jr has been dropped by the Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs for their clash against the Cronulla Sharks with the club confirming the demotion is due to a dip in form from the highly-paid recruit.
The 26-year-old was one of the notable acquisitions the Bulldogs made in the 2021 off-season and the front-rower hasn’t had the desired impact despite being signed to a $925,000 a year contract.
The Daily Telegraph’s Michael Carayannis revealed that the Bulldogs have offered his services to other clubs with little interest which has left Pangai Jr in a peculiar situation heading into the 2023 season.
“It has been no secret that the Dogs have offered him up to rival clubs over the last few months,” Carayannis said on SEN 1170 Breakfast.
“His salary drops next season because he’s on that crazy money still with the backend of that last deal with Brisbane.
“He’ll get to around that $750,000 mark which is still a lot of money for (a player) who can’t play that consistent football for 80 minutes.
“For one of the highest paid players in the game, you need to produce.
“I just don’t see who is going to come knocking for that price tag.
“He’s bounced around a few clubs now and no one can seem to get the best out of him.”
Carayannis added that the front rower is far better as an impact player who has damaging short bursts in games which isn’t worthy of a massive contract.
SEN’s Greg Alexander said that Pangai Jr has certainly found himself at a crossroads in his career.
“Tevita has some shortcomings and he’s got some problems,” Alexander said on SEN 1170 Breakfast.
“What do they do with him?
“If they (the Bulldogs) wanted to offload him, it would cost them a fortune.”
Pangai Jr will play for the Bulldogs' NSW Cup side against the first-placed Newtown Jets at Henson Park on August 27.