Pangai confirms league return after premature retirement

Tevita Pangai Junior has moved one step closer to a return to the NRL, signing with reserve grade club Souths Logan for the 2024 season.

The former NSW Origin enforcer shocked the rugby league world last year when he retired to pursue a career in professional boxing, but had recently been spotted at Brisbane Broncos training and rumours had been swirling regarding a comeback.

Pangai has now been revealed as the marquee signing for the Magpies, who compete in the Queensland Cup competition and have close ties with the Broncos.

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Souths Logan confirmed the news on its Facebook page on Thursday night while Pangai's former team, Canterbury, was in the midst of a trial match.

With more than 130 first grade games to his name, Pangai will add immediate class and experience to Souths Logan, with the path now clear for a potential NRL return.

During the pre-season, Bulldogs boss Phil Gould revealed the hulking forward had the club's blessing to return to rugby league, despite walking away with a year to run on his contract at Belmore.

"We were all a bit shocked when he gave it away last year," he told 9News Sydney.

"If he's had a second think about that and wants to come back to the sport, I think the sport will be better for it wherever he goes.

"He certainly has our blessing to go wherever he likes."

Pangai has competed in just one professional boxing bout since initially deciding to step away from football, defeating Frank Amato last October.

His next fight is slated for March 23 against Raphael Sa'u.