Warriors target Pangai jnr, Dragons want Bird to make flight home
Adrian Proszenko and
Adam Pengilly
Updated August 12, 2020 — 4.44pmfirst published at 11.24am
The Warriors will turn their attention to troubled stars Tevita Pangai jnr and Jack de Belin after missing out on Canterbury forward Adam Elliott.
Elliott’s decision to commit to the Bulldogs on a three-year deal has triggered a domino effect in the player market that could result in Jack Bird returning to St George Illawarra.
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The Bulldogs and Dragons were in the mix for Elliott’s services, with the Red V now likely to ramp up talks with Bird's management after missing out.
Pangai jnr is also looking for a new home.
Brisbane is expected to sack the Tongan international for a series of biosecurity bubble breaches
that have attracted a proposed fine of $30,000 and an indefinite suspension.
The NRL handed Pangai jnr a breach notice that prompted chief executive Andrew Abdo to conclude he was guilty of "committing multiple contraventions of the protocols and showing a disregard for the league’s rules."
Tevita Pangai jnr has almost certainly played his final game with BrisbaneCredit:NRL Photos
The latest breach was a visit to a barbershop that had been raided by police over its association with motorcycle gang the Mongols.
The Roosters moved quickly to distance themselves from Pangai jnr.
"I don’t know what’s going on up there but we’ve worked really hard – as you can see – for the type of player that we want," said Roosters coach Trent Robinson. "And he’s not going to fit that mould."
However, the controversies aren't likely to dissuade the Warriors, who are revamping their roster ahead of the arrival of new coach Nathan Brown next season.
The club on Wednesday trumpeted the signing of Eels prop Kane Evans on a two-year deal and has also secured the services of Dragons centre Euan Aitken. The next priority is a superstar forward and de Belin and Pangai jnr fit the bill.
The Warriors haven't awaited the outcome of de Belin's sexual assault court case to make him an offer. A decision on a motion that will determine whether de Belin's trial will proceed is expected to be handed down this month.
The former NSW lock is mulling over a deal which
will give him a $200,000-a-year increase on his current salary, despite the fact he hasn’t played a match for almost two years under the NRL's no-fault stand down policy.
The Dragons are also keen to retain him after standing by him while awaiting a court outcome, but the club has distanced itself from any pursuit of Pangai jnr.
Meanwhile, like Pangai jnr, Bird could also be looking for a fresh start.
The former Shark hasn’t been able to make an impact at Red Hill due to injuries and is torn between proving his worth at the Broncos and returning to Sydney.
The Broncos have allowed Bird to explore his options and the Bulldogs and Dragons have been in talks with his management. Brisbane is prepared to subsidise his salary in order to get Bird off their books.
Weighing his options ... Jack Bird.Credit:NRL Photos
Elliott’s signing is an early show of confidence in incoming coach Trent Barrett.
"Adam has become a fantastic leader at Belmore and when he runs onto the field for the Bulldogs you can feel the passion he has for the club," said Bulldogs coach Andrew Hill.
"He had also shown during the early part of this season that he was one of the form back-rowers in the competition.
"He continues to do a tremendous amount of work off the field and has always been the first one to put his hand up to offer his time to a charity or to represent the club at a community visit.
"We look forward to seeing him continue to represent the Bulldogs with distinction over the next three years."
Meanwhile, former Kangaroos prop Shannon Boyd has been granted a release from his Titans contract and he will retire to the family farm in Cowra. Boyd's departure after a series of injuries will free up salary cap space for the club.
https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/it...vans-signs-with-warriors-20200812-p55kwy.html
