A former Knights playmaker has starred for his new club following a shock exit from Newcastle, who let him walk despite major question marks over their halves options.
Meanwhile, Tevita Pangai Junior continues to thrive in his maiden Super League season, but he’s ruled out a potential return to the NRL next year.
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TPJ DROPS HINT ON FUTURE AMID HOT RUN OF FORM
Former NRL star Tevita Pangai Junior has been one of the buys of the Super League season, but it’s looking likely that it’ll be just a one-year stint with the damaging forward eyeing a code switch.
Pangai Junior was once again excellent for the Catalans in Round 7, scoring a try and recording seven tackle busts in the Dragons’ convincing win over Huddersfield.
He’s created plenty of second phase play as he’s among the league leaders in offloads.
The play of the 29-year-old this season has reportedly put him back on the radar of NRL clubs.
However, Pangai Junior has shot down the suggestion he’ll be returning to Australia anytime soon.
Speaking with Code Sports last week, Pangai Junior said he is enjoying the French lifestyle and is weighing up a move to France’s top 14 rugby union competition.
He’s also hired a French agent in Laurent Quaglia to help him move forward with negotiations with French rugby clubs.
“I haven’t had any talks to come back to the NRL,” Pangai Junior said.
“I’ve got Laurent as my agent and he is in talks with a couple of French rugby clubs.
“Myself and my family are enjoying life at Catalans and Europe.”
FORMER KNIGHT’S STATEMENT GAME FOLLOWING NRL EXIT
Two weeks ago, the Knights allowed Will Pryce to leave the club on compassionate grounds so he could return to the UK and sign with Super League contenders Hull FC on a three-and-a-half year deal.
It culminated a largely uninspiring stint in Australia, which saw Pryce only play five NRL games in just over a season at the club.
For whatever reason, Pryce wasn’t able to become a favourite of coach Adam O’Brien, with the son of former England star Leon only breaking into the first grade side a handful of times despite a lack of production from the team’s halves during his time there.
Pryce was brought over to Newcastle to play five-eighth but he’s also a very good fullback, which he showed this past weekend.
Unable to get a look in this season, Pryce decided to return home and sign a long-term deal in England.
In just his second game in his new colours, Pryce was electric in leading Hull FC to a 28-16 win over Warrington.
He finished up with 163 running metres, five tackle busts, a try and kicked four goals. His defence was also excellent with Pryce pulling off a couple of trysaving rackles.
While Pryce probably saw the writing on the wall at Newcastle, given his path to play fullback is blocked by Kalyn Ponga and Dylan Brown is set to arrive in the off-season and play six, it’s no surprise to see him head home in search of greater opportunities.
However, with the Knights struggling mightily at the moment with ball in hand (eight points in last three games), it sure wouldn’t have hurt to have Pryce still around and see if he could help revive a sputtering attack.
FORWARD’S SUPER RARE FEAT
Leeds second rower James McDonnell became the envy of forwards everywhere on the weekend when he achieved a feat seldom achieved by his position group.
McDonnell crossed the stripe not three, but four times in the Rhinos’ 28-0 win over the out of sorts Salford Red Devils.
Leeds weren’t convincing by any means, but McConnell shined brightly.
He scored three tries in the second half to complete the rare achievement.
The 25-year-old, who has represented Ireland on the international stage, scored just four tries during all of the 2024 season.
“Pretty surreal for me, it’s a weird feeling,” McDonnell said.
“The way I can kind of lift the team with my defence and the effort areas and the little stuff that sometimes fans and people watching the game might not notice as much. To get the reward on the other side, with the four tries, is a bit different for me, but it is a good feeling.”
Former Eels coach Brad Arthur, who is now in charge of the Rhinos, said post-game that Nicholson’s four-try performance is a prime example of when hard work pays off.
“I’m glad he got the reward of a few tries. He’s an example that if you keep working hard, then good things will come your way,” Arthur said.
Arthur, who has put off signing an extension with the Rhinos to see if he can land another NRL coaching job, has led the Rhinos to a 4-3 record this season with Leeds sitting in 6th position on the Super League ladder.
“I’m enjoying it, I really am. But I want to coach in the NRL again and I’d like to come home,” he said last week.
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