Leigh Leopards are delighted to announce the signing of Tongan international forward Tevita Pangai Junior on a multi-year deal.
The powerful prop will join the Leopards ahead of the 2027 season, bringing significant NRL and Super League experience to Adrian Lam’s squad.
Pangai Junior began his professional career with Brisbane Broncos, making his NRL debut in 2016 and going on to establish himself as one of the competition’s most destructive forwards.
The 30-year-old made 96 appearances for the Broncos before spells with Penrith Panthers, Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs and Dolphins took his NRL tally to 147 games. He also represented New South Wales at State of Origin level in 2023.
At international level, Pangai Junior has represented Tonga, making his debut during the 2017 Rugby League World Cup and featuring in the side’s memorable run to the semi-finals.
His career then brought him to Super League, where he joined Catalans Dragons for the 2025 season. Pangai Junior made 23 appearances for the French club, scoring four tries, before moving to Hull KR during the 2026 campaign.
Now, he will make the move to Leigh, where he will link up with fellow Tongan international Joe Ofahengaue.
Ofahengaue also began his NRL career with Brisbane Broncos before establishing himself as a key member of the Leigh pack, and the pair will now reunite at club level in Leopard print.
Speaking after completing his move, Pangai Junior said he and his family are excited to begin their new chapter at Leigh.
“Me and my family are very excited to join Leigh Leopards.
“I just wanted to thank my agent Ahmad Merhi for working tirelessly behind the scenes with Andrew Henderson and Adrian Lam to get this across the line. I also want to thank the club, its coaching staff, Board of Directors and owner Derek Beaumont for taking a leap of faith, and hopefully I can repay that faith.
“I’m really looking forward to getting a full pre-season and working hard with my new teammates, earning the respect of the coaching staff and the players and, more importantly, our members and fans.”
Leigh owner Derek Beaumont believes the signing represents a significant addition to the squad and another benefit of the club’s upcoming involvement in the Las Vegas fixture.
“This is a great signing from the club and Hendo has worked hard selling our vision to beat off strong competition. Of course, money comes into it, but this is one of the returns on investment that going to Vegas brings, with the attraction of that and, in particular, the way we will be looking after the team with some fun events out there.
“TPJ is a big, solid, experienced player who is just what we need. We have a history of getting the best from players who have had issues in their career, and that’s because, whilst we have high standards, we also have an understanding of life’s difficulties and individuals’ different strengths and weaknesses.
“Lammy is a coach who gets the best out of people. It’s there for all to see how he improves players and how they all want to give their all for him and the club because of the off-field wins they can earn from him.
“We work hard but play harder, and Vegas will be a great example of doing that.
“Fans have understandably been a bit restless waiting for news, and this week saw the news of some positive retentions of our players. This is the first of three tier-one value players and at least one other that our fans can look forward to in the off-season.
“I am looking forward to hearing the noise in the Leopards Den from that first carry off the back fence!”
Head Coach Adrian Lam is delighted to add Pangai Junior to his forward pack and believes the signing represents a significant statement of the club’s ambitions.
“We’re grateful as a club that these types of players want to come to us.
“Every year our aim is to improve the squad, and a signing like this is definitely a huge step in the right direction.
“Tevita has a wealth of experience and has played in some big games, including Test matches and State of Origin for New South Wales only three years ago.
“He’ll bring some size, power, aggression and competitiveness to our forward pack.
“Tevita is a player I believe can develop his game at Leigh and will be a leader for the club.
“This signing is a big statement that shows rival clubs we are moving forwards.”
Director of Rugby Andrew Henderson is delighted to have secured Pangai Junior’s services and believes the forward still has plenty to offer.
“We’re delighted to welcome Tevita and his family to the club. Tevita is a player with proven NRL and Super League pedigree, and his experience at the highest level speaks for itself.
“He brings a powerful presence through the middle, genuine strike, ball-playing ability and a competitive edge that will add real value to our squad.
“Beyond his obvious qualities on the field, we were impressed by his desire to be part of what we are building and his commitment to helping drive the group to achieve more.
“We believe he has some of his best rugby still ahead of him, and we’re excited to provide an environment where he can continue to flourish.
“We look forward to seeing him in our colours and are confident our supporters will enjoy what he brings to the team.”
With 147 NRL appearances, international honours with Tonga, State of Origin experience and two seasons of Super League under his belt, Pangai Junior arrives at Leigh with a wealth of experience at the highest level.
Now, his next chapter begins in Leopard print.
Tevita Pangai Junior is a Leigh Leopard.
