Tevita Pangai Junior finds new Super League club after ill-fated Hull KR spell

17:31, 26 Sep 2026Updated 17:32, 26 Sep 2026

Tevita Pangai Junior will remain in Super League after signing a 'multi-year deal' with Leigh Leopards, the club has confirmed.

The 30-year-old prop forward returned to the competition halfway through the 2026 season with Hull KR, but was limited to just five appearances due to injury and suspension.

He was included on the club's 10-player release list for the conclusion of the current campaign, alongside the likes of Ryan Hampshire and retiring Rhyse Martin.

Pangai Jnr will now continue his career in England under Adrian Lam, becoming Leigh's first official signing for 2027.

“Me and my family are very excited to join Leigh Leopards," he said.

“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.”

The five-time Tonga international has previously played for Brisbane Broncos, Penrith Panthers, Canterbury Bulldogs, Dolphins and Catalans Dragons across his career, while he performed a U-turn on Warrington ahead of the 2026 season after initially signing a one-year deal, later linking up with the Robins.

Leigh head coach Lam has shared his delight in his first signing for next season.

“We’re grateful as a club that these types of players want to come to us," he said.

“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.”

Choose Hull Live as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.