Pangai is Broncos’ version of Taumalolo
September 19, 2017
BRONCO Alex Glenn draws a comparison between returning teammate Tevita Pangai Jr and rugby league’s premier impact forward Jason Taumalolo.
Pangai, who is set to return from a two-week hamstring injury in Friday’s preliminary final in Melbourne, averages only 26 minutes a game this year but coach Wayne Bennett usually gets some bang from the interchange forward.
“Tevita can really get us forward and brings a lot of energy, screaming for the ball to get into the game,’’ Glenn said.
“He has the offloads and the power. He’s a bit like a Jason Taumalolo.’’
Pangai’s bench mates Joe Ofahenguae and Herman Ese’Ese both average 33 minutes a game, with Ofahenguae the most productive of the trio in attack with 97m from 11 carries on average in 2017.
While Melbourne like to wrestle ball-carriers to slow play-the-balls, Glenn said their forwards fight hard to get play going quickly when they are in possession.
“Jesse Bromwich is a strong runner and watching the videos they like to finish on their front and get quick play the balls away,’’ Glenn said.
“In the middle, we have a job on our hands.
“They have a lot of structure. They are clinical and relentless as well.
“Last week’s game was a great preparation for us and we have to take that enthusiasm down to Melbourne.’’
In their past three games at AAMI Park, the Broncos have won twice and lost once, a nail-biter in Round 3 this year.
Since 2015, only one other team, Parramatta, have won twice in Melbourne.
In the first match against the Storm this year at AAMI Park, the Broncos led 12-8 until a late converted try gave Melbourne a 14-12 victory.
“I think the occasion will lift us and take a bit of the crowd factor out,” said Broncos playmaker Benji Marshall.
“The last time we played them there we got pipped at the post.
“But they are not going to beat themselves.”
Source:
Courier Mail