0 
0 Wayne Bennett has taken a cheeky dig at Tevita Pangai Junior, with the Dolphins coach left the door open for the star forward to sign with the club.
After retiring from the NRL at the end of last season to pursue a career in boxing, Pangai has already backflipped on the decision, signing with Souths Logan as he begins his journey back to the top grade through Queensland Cup.
Pangai has been linked with a potential move back to the Broncos this year, but at this stage hasn’t signed any official contract and will ply his trade for the Magpies.
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The 28-year-old made a promising start for his new club last weekend, impressing coach Karmichael Hunt – but the Dolphins boss didn’t have the same level of praise.
“I saw the game as well, I wasn’t as impressed as his coach,” Bennett said.
“I know Tevita very well, I know what he can do. He is a wonderful player and I’ve got a lot of time from him … he can play.”
Bennett initially signed Pangai to the Broncos in 2016 and the pair built up a strong bond, but the legendary coach admitted he ‘lost’ the enforcer’s phone number as he was peppered with questions about his future.
“I had it, but I’ve lost it now, it doesn’t work anymore,” Bennett said with a smile.
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The side endured a tough start to their NRL campaign and have been called out for their aging forward pack, with the likes of Felise Kaufusi and the Bromwich brothers on the wrong side of 30 and coming towards the end of their careers.
One player who has been on Bennett’s radar recently however is Kulikefu Finefeuiaki, who is off-contract at the end of 2024 with the Cowboys and could be a prized signing for the Redcliffe-based franchise heading into next season.
“He’s an explosive young player on the way up with lots of ability,” Bennett said.
“We’ve got to wait and see now what he does.
“There’s big opportunity and we’ve got really good balance in our cap and we’ve got money in our cap to spend on quality players – that’s what we’re trying to achieve.
“That’s a future project and that’s where it’s heading.”
Bennett’s men will look to chalk up their first win of the year against the Dragons on Sunday night on their home turf in Redcliffe.
