Cronulla’s 2016 premiership captain, Paul Gallen, says Penrith’s shrewd $120,000 gamble on fiery forward Tevita Pangai Jr has “without a doubt” paid off, yet his injury could be a decisive factor in Sunday’s grand final with his place in the side still under a huge cloud.
Pangai Jr was unwanted by Brisbane and didn’t play a game for the Broncos after Round 15, having signed a deal to join Canterbury from next season.
The Panthers spotted an opportunity and offered the 25-year-old the chance to continue his 2021 campaign, which the Broncos were happy to accommodate as it meant freeing up some money and unloading an outgoing player.
He made his Panthers debut in Round 23 and has played in the six games since. On Saturday, in the absence of Moses Leota, he was arguably the most damaging player on the field in the opening exchanges as Penrith upset Melbourne 10-6 in the preliminary final.
“I thought he was really good. Without a doubt I think (the gamble) was worth it,” Gallen told Nine’s 100% Footy.
“You compare his games the way he played there to how he played at the Broncos, he had (Panthers) players moving around him and doing things allowing him to be better. I thought he was devastating.”
Unfortunately for Pangai, his place in the grand final team is in serious doubt as he fights to overcome a knee injury.
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Michael Chammas told 100% Footy he believes Pangai may not even be named in the 21-man squad on Tuesday afternoon, such is the concern the player won’t be fit in time for Sunday’s clash with South Sydney.
“Had scans (Monday) morning, I don’t think Penrith are overjoyed by the results of that,” Chammas said.
“My understanding is they will give him (Tuesday), they want to look at him (Tuesday) and determine whether he’s fit enough or going to be in a position to at least give him the rest of the week.
“If they decide he’s no chance I think they’ll not name him in the 21. There’s no point naming someone who’s not going to play.”
Regardless of whether he plays on Sunday or not, Pangai has certainly increased his value to the Bulldogs with his short stint at Penrith.
Canterbury chief Phil Gould believes the Bulldogs are welcoming a better player than the one that left the Broncos three months ago.
“It’s going to be wonderful for the Bulldogs that he’s played with that side up to this point in the season,” Gould said.
“It’s going to be far better than had he sat out the rest of the year waiting for his Bulldogs assignment. You’re going to have Matt Burton and Tevita Pangai Jr coming to the Bulldogs next year who have experienced a run up to a grand final.
“From my understanding he’s really learned a lot since he’s been there.”