The
Sydney Morning Herald reports the money that will now be used to sign the 25-year-old was initially budgeted on forward-paying the 2022 contracts of their highest paid players.
It is understood Pangai Jr will cost the Panthers around $120,000 for the remainder of the season.
Once again, it is a short-term game Penrith is playing in the pursuit of a title.
Panthers lock forward Isaah Yeo was more than prepared to take on Pangai Jr when asked about his possible arrival on Tuesday, saying the club would welcome him with “open arms”.
That $120,000 could have also proven handy in future negotiations over the futures of Viliame Kikau, Apisai Koroisau and Dylan Edwards with all three off-contract at the end of next year.
Junior is almost the best forward in the game and completes the Penrith Panthers.
Pangai Jr will bring much-needed aggression, as well as the ability to offload and create an attacking opportunity out of very little.
Pangai is the sort of player that a forward pack can be built around a, they will be on the hunt for more forwards to join Pangai Jr.
Pangai will do best in a club where they already have strong forward leaders
With Pangai Jnr and his talent established by finals, the premiership pendulum now shifts in the Penrith Panthers favour.