The Warrington Wolves have released a pointed statement confirming big-name signing Tevita Pangai Junior has backflipped on his decision to join the club for the 2026 English Super League season.
Warrington announced Pangai Junior’s impending arrival in July, with the former NRL forward signing a one-year contract after spending the 2025 season in the Super League with the Catalans Dragons.
However, in a dramatic twist, the Wolves confirmed on Friday that the 29-year-old will no longer be joining the club.
“Tevita Pangai Junior has recently informed the club of his decision not to join for the 2026 season,” the statement read.
“While we are disappointed, the club accepts his decision, as we remain committed to building a squad of players who are fully invested in the club and its ambitions.”
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The statement was viewed by many as a subtle yet firm response, underlining Warrington’s stance on team culture and commitment as they continue to rebuild for the upcoming campaign.
Pangai Junior’s immediate playing future is now uncertain, with the former Broncos, Bulldogs, Panthers, and Dolphins forward currently without a contract for next season.
The explosive enforcer had previously retired from the NRL after his stint with the Bulldogs to pursue a boxing career before returning to rugby league with Catalans in 2025.
While a return to boxing appears unlikely, it’s unclear whether any Australian clubs would be willing to take a gamble on the powerful forward should he look to come back to the NRL.
Several clubs still have multiple roster spots available for 2026, and Pangai Junior could become a target for a cut-price deal if he opts to revive his NRL career.
The former New South Wales representative, who featured in State of Origin in 2023, has played 147 NRL games and 23 in the Super League.
Despite a long and successful career, Pangai Junior’s time on the field has often been overshadowed by questions about his commitment, discipline and attitude, with many suggesting he never quite reached his full potential.
At his best, he was one of the NRL’s most aggressive forwards, impossible to contain when offloading the football, but unfortunately, it seems the peak years of his career may now be behind him.