Pangai's future at Brisbane under question

The Broncos board is weighing up Tevita Pangai jnr's future at the club after his brazen flouting of COVID-19 protocols followed several other recent issues.

The remaining two-and-a-half years of Pangai's current contract – signed last season for just under $2 million – is in jeopardy after he visited a Brisbane barbershop with bikie connections over the weekend.

Multiple media outlets reported on Tuesday afternoon that Pangai jnr was set to be served with an official breach notice.

However, the Broncos denied any definitive action was about to be taken via a press release shortly afterwards.

"The club is still finalising its investigation into Tevita Pangai Junior’s breach of Project Apollo protocols," the statement read.

"The final determination of any sanction has not been made at this time."

Further sanction from the NRL is also expected with Pangai already serving a 14-day isolation period after his visit to the Black Canvas barbershop was uncovered when Queensland police conducted a search of the premises.

There is no suggestion the Brisbane forward was engaged in any illegal activity.

However, it's understood Broncos hierarchy are unimpressed with Pangai's actions bringing the club into disrepute.

His flouting of biosecurity measures came just days after three Broncos staff members – Allan Langer, Ryan Whitley and Blake Duncan – were issued $5000 fines and stood down from duties after attending a private function for Langer's birthday.

Broncos head of football Peter Nolan delivered a stern reminder of the players' responsibilities under COVID-19 protocols before last week's trip to Sydney, only for Pangai to breach them upon his return to Brisbane.

Pangai was re-signed last year on a three-year deal and on his day is among the most damaging players in the NRL.

However, his current 'COVID-hold' amounts to him serving 14 weeks of suspensions since the start of 2019, another sore point with Broncos officials.

The final determination ... has not been made at this time

Broncos statement on Tevita Pangai jnr

In total, the Tongan forward has now missed 36 per cent of Brisbane's 38 games in the past 18 months.

The 24-year-old also made headlines last week when he acknowledged a call to Roosters chairman Nick Politis after speculation he was shopping himself to rival clubs.

Pangai's current COVID-hold will see him sit out Brisbane's upcoming clashes with Canberra and St George Illawarrra, with a decision on his future at the club expected before a return to the paddock is entertained.

Should Pangai be given his marching orders, he would face sitting out the rest of 2020 before being able to be registered with a rival NRL club given the mid-season transfer deadline has passed.