Belmore bound: Early Broncos release set to land Pangai at Dogs

Tevita Pangai jnr looms as the latest big name to join the Belmore rebuild with a release from Brisbane to take up a three-year Bulldogs deal in the works.

NRL.com understands that negotiations between Pangai jnr’s management and the Broncos on Monday night have the back-rower poised to reject interest from Wests Tigers to link with Trent Barrett’s side from next season.

Penrith have ruled out a move to sign Pangai jnr for the remainder of this season, with the Panthers not having salary cap space or a roster spot for the Tongan international.

No official comment has been made by the Broncos, Bulldogs or Tigers on Pangai jnr's future.

However, he has had Brisbane's permission to explore the market for some time.

On the same day celebrated figure Phil Gould took up his new post as general football manager, it's understood talks around Brisbane's contribution to Pangai jnr's salary next season have him poised to ink Canterbury's three-year offer.

It's understood the Tigers tabled at least a two-and-a-half year offer of their own but are resigned losing out in the battle for Pangai jnr. 

His acquisition continues a lengthy signings spree by Barrett.

To date the Bulldogs' big recruitment moves have been made out wide, with Pangai jnr in line to add forward punch in front of a backline that will include Matt Burton, Josh Addo-Carr, Matt Dufty and Brent Naden next year.

NRL.com understands Canterbury remain interested in sacked Dragons prop Paul Vaughan as they look to bolster a 2022 pack that is set to feature Pangai jnr, Luke Thompson, Josh Jackson and Adam Elliott.

The club is awaiting advice from the NRL around when Vaughan's eight-match suspension for breaching COVID-19 protocols would be served if he were signed at Belmore.

In keeping with Pangai jnr's often drama-charged six seasons at the Broncos, his exit comes after a meeting with Tigers coach Michael Maguire and officials in May was made public, prompting denials from Brisbane that Pangai jnr had permission to do so.

That has changed since, with the 25-year-old's salary next season – believed to jump from $650,000 to $800,000 in 2022 – playing as much a part in release talks as Pangai jnr's chequered on and off-field history.

It's believed Brisbane will contribute a portion of his wage in 2022. It is unclear if an immediate release could be negotiated for Pangai jnr to arrive early in blue and white.

Pangai jnr is currently serving a three-week ban until round 20 for a crusher tackle, with his last game in Broncos colours a 46-0 round 15 loss to the Rabbitohs, having been told he was free to leave Red Hill two days earlier.

A move from the Broncos would frees up a top 30 spot for coach Kevin Walters as out-of-favour playmaker Anthony Milford looks to do the same.

NRL.com understands Parramatta have made initial inquiries around picking up the one-time Queensland Origin half on a short-term deal for their own finals charge.

Milford hasn't played since round 12 and has undergone knee surgery since then after falling from favour with coach Kevin Walters.

It's understood Brisbane haven't ruled out contributing to Milford's salary to free up their own cap space, with the 27-year-old slated to earn over $200,000 over the final three months of the NRL's financial year to November 1.