Wallabies great embroiled in NRL coronavirus controversy
Tevita Pangai Jr's future with the Brisbane Broncos hangs in the balance, with new details revealing rugby star Quade Cooper's involvement in the NRL COVID-19 controversy.
Pangai Jnr has apologised for snubbing the NRL's biosecurity protocols earlier this month as he fights to keep his contract at the embattled club.
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The 24-year-old also said a phone call to Sydney Roosters boss Nick Politis was about seeking support, not trying to get out of his deal at the Broncos.
Pangai Jnr was slapped with a $30,000 fine for breaking biosecurity restrictions several times and was stood down indefinitely, but has been in isolation for two weeks as his future remains in doubt.
"I did it a few times (breached the Broncos' bubble), I admitted that in my interview with the NRL integrity unit," he told Fox Sports on Friday.
The Courier Mail reports that three of those breaches that Pangai Jr has admitted to, were with the forward's good friend, Cooper.
The report goes on to say that Pangai Jr reportedly at a Greek restaurant with Cooper, while also attending an under-18s match with him.
He's also said to have dined at a Thai restaurant and bar with the former Wallabies star on another separate occasion.
The Broncos claim he failed to report any of those outings under the proper biosecurity protocols.
Pangai set to front Brisbane board
It's understood the Broncos board intend to sack the Tongan Test star, but he has indicated he wants to remain at the club with two years left to run on a deal that is reportedly worth $725,000 a season.
"I owe a lot to the club. I came here as a 19-year-old boy and they helped me become the person I am today," he said.
"I've grown as a person and they've stuck by me.
"I've come off contract a few times and could've left for more enticing offers down south but I love living in Brisbane and love the club.
"We have the best fan base and the most memberships in the NRL and I love playing for the Broncos."
One such offer came from the Roosters when he came off contract at the end of 2019.
However, despite the interest from the NRL premiers, Pangai Jnr said a conversation with Politis was never about trying to leave the Broncos.
"I went to him for some advice and he's always been a mentor for me," he said.
"I don't know where the rumours come from that I spoke to him to try to leave, he's a really close family friend of ours.
"He's a winner and I went there for some advice.
"I wanted to get out of this predicament we're in at Brisbane; I was obviously disappointed that we lost David Fifita."
Pangai Jr is set to face the Brisbane board on Friday as he fights to save his career with the Broncos.
"I did the wrong thing and I've been taking it for granted," he said.
"When this pandemic first broke out a lot of my friends at the club lost their job.
"And they'd given years and years of their time to the club and their jobs were made redundant. I'm trying to do the right thing now."
with AAP
