Catalans powerhouse 'confirms' he is heading for Warrington Wolves
Reports began to emerge yesterday that the Catalans Dragons powerhouse was on Sam Burgess' radar for 2026.
Now, the man himself has effectively confirmed he will be wearing the primrose and blue next year in an interview given to the Daily Telegraph newspaper in Australia.
Having turned out in the NRL for Brisbane Broncos, Canterbury Bulldogs, Penrith Panthers and the Dolphins, Pangai Jr arrived in Super League in pre-season to join Les Dracs and has played 19 times for them in 2025.
His deal was a 12-month contract and having reportedly courted interest from rugby union clubs in both France and Australia, he is now set on joining Burgess' squad.
And he revealed to the Daily Telegraph that Burgess' presence as head coach was a big factor in his decision.
'I'm excited to work with Sam Burgess,' Pangai Jr said.
'He's a big reason why I'm going there.
'Ben Te'o (former teammate and coach) had big wraps on Sam during my time with him at the Broncos and Dolphins.
'He is very inspiring as a player and coach.
'Rugby union has always been something I've wanted to try – it would have been great to be in that environment and system to learn the No. 6 or 8 position to excel but things didn't eventuate.
'This opportunity came up and it happened very quickly to be honest.'
Warrington are yet to officially confirm the deal but Pangai Jr is now set to join Wigan Warriors front-rower Liam Byrne, a deal for whom the Warrington Guardian revealed to be done earlier this year, at the club in 2026.
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