Bulldogs star Tevita Pangai Junior has opened up on how a conversation with football boss Phil Gould served as a “wake-up call” after a disappointing season.
Pangai Junior has also revealed a shock deal he has made with Cameron Ciraldo, which would allow the new coach to show him the door if he doesn’t hold up his end.
The 26-year-old was one of the Bulldogs’ big-name recruits for 2022 but failed to live up to expectations — even being dropped to reserve grade at one stage.
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Speaking to 9 News, Pangai Junior revealed he’s had a frank conversation with Gould.
“He just told me I need to have a better attitude coming into training and he’s not going to accept the stuff I did last year so it’s a good wake-up call,” he said.
“(I) just got comfortable and let the results get to me. But we’re professional athletes, we get paid well to put a performance in for our fans and members. I didn’t quite do that last year.”
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Pangai Junior skipped the opportunity to represent Tonga at the Rugby League World Cup and will instead feature on the undercard of the boxing clash between Mark Hunt and Sonny Bill Williams.
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He has shred 12 kilos while training for his fight according to 9 News and has already made a promise to Ciraldo about sticking to his current weight.
“I just told him that if I don’t come under 110kg then he can pretty much sack me. I’m a man of my word, if I don’t come in at 110kg then I’ll leave,” Pangai Junior said.
“I don’t want to leave the club, the way it’s heading. Cam’s a smart man, he knows Gus can get him a good roster.”
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Pangai Junior has grown close to crosscode icon Williams — a former Bulldog — and believes his relationship will serve him well on the field.
“It starts with everyday habits and that’s why Sonny’s been great for me,” he said.
