Ex-NRL enforcer cops mammoth Super League ban; playmaker to depart Knights — Daily

Former NRL enforcer Tevita Pangai Junior is in hot water for an alleged eye gouge during a Super League match, resulting in a mammoth six-match ban.

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The Catalans forward was slapped with a Grade F charge – the most serious grading – for an incident involving Leeds star Jake Connor during the Dragons’ 34-8 loss to the Rhinos.

The 30-year-old has also copped a fine from the RFL.

It means that Pangai Junior won’t be available for selection until mid-August.

Catalans hold the right to appeal the charge however there’s been no indication on whether the club will do so.

It’s a hammer blow for the Dragons.

They currently sit on the cusp of the top six, two wins behind the sixth-placed Hull KR.

VETERAN PLAYMAKER TO DEPART NRL

Newcastle Knights playmaker Tyson Gamble will depart the NRL at the end of the season after agreeing to join the Catalans Dragons on a two-year contract for the 2027 and 2028 seasons.

Having featured in 70 NRL matches for the Wests Tigers, Brisbane Broncos and Knights since his debut in 2018, Gamble will now prepare for the next chapter of his rugby league playing career.

“I’m so excited to pull the Catalan Dragons jersey on for the next two seasons,” Gamble said in a statement.

“I’m grateful to the club for this opportunity and I hope I can do them and the fans proud!”

The move overseas comes as he has moved down the halves pecking order at the Knights and has been a regular in reserve grade rather than the NRL.

Aged 30, he is has likely played his final match in first-grade and will finish the remainder of his playing career in the south of France.

“Tyson is another player I have worked with in the past. A super competitive player,” Dragons coach John Cartwright added.

“Brings the same attitude to training. Brings experience good kicking game and is a strong defender. Will be a great addition to the squad.”

WARRIORS SIGN SON OF FORMER CLUB CAPTAIN

The New Zealand Warriors have confirmed the signature of three-game NRL forward Riley Price, who will become the fourth son of a former Warrior to join the club.

The son of former Warriors club captain Steve Price, Riley has agreed to a two-year contract with the side, which will see him on a development contract for the remainder of this year’s campaign before moving into the Top 30 roster in 2027.

Debuting with the North Queensland Cowboys in 2023, he spent the past two seasons with the Penrith Panthers before linking up with Redcliffe this year.

“It’s exciting for us having Riley back at the club he knows so well from his time living in Auckland when his father was here,” Warriors GM of Recruitment, Pathways and Development Andrew McFadden said.

“Riley has tasted NRL football and gained a lot of experience playing in the Queensland Cup and New South Wales Cup.

“He has terrific footballing pedigree through his father and will bring a lot to our squad with his professional attitude and work ethic.

“It’s also a thrill seeing the next generation coming through with yet another son of one of our former players joining the club.”

BEARS CONFIRM ARRIVAL OF TALENTED PROSPECT

The Perth Bears have officially confirmed the arrival of talented prospect Jasais Ah Kee from the St George Illawarra Dragons.

Highly regarded in the rugby league world as one of the best young playmakers, Ah Kee has agreed to join the club on a three-year contract, which will see him start on a development deal before progressing to a Top 30 contract in 2029.

“Jasais is one of the most skilled young halves in the game and we are absolutely thrilled he has decided to sign with the Perth Bears,” head coach Mal Meninga said.

“We have locked in some exciting prospects now that will be the cornerstone for the Bears for many years to come.

“Mason Barber, Apa Twidle and Jasais can help us build the foundations for something very special. I’m delighted they believe in our vision and look forward to working with them all next season.”

Ah Kee, born in Western Sydney, is another major coup for the club, which has been investing in younger talent.

“I’m excited to have the opportunity to continue my career with the Perth Bears” Ah Kee said.

“I believe in the vision for the club and the pathway that Mal and his coaching staff have provided to continue my development.

“I’m going to continue to work hard and look forward to running out for the Bears next season and for many more to come”.

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