Seibold challenges Pangai to back up wrecking ball display

Broncos coach Anthony Seibold has challenged powerhouse prop Trevita Pangai jnr to back up the carnage he unleashed on the Cowboys on a regular basis.

The Tongan international pummelled  Cowboys enforcers Jason Taumalolo  and Josh McGuire early and went on a rampaging run in the 10th minute to set up a try and set the tone for what was to follow in the 29-10 win at Suncorp Stadium.

Pangai’s 111 metres and 16 tackles don’t tell the story of the impact he made in attack and defence where he inspired his fellow forwards with each action he took.

Last year Pangai delivered similar displays but not on a regular basis, due largely to niggling injuries which hampered his consistency.

The Broncos host the Dragons on Thursday night and struggled to match their forward firepower last year, so Seibold wants Pangai to be on song again when the two fierce rivals meet.

"Tevita was really good. He started from the bench last week and was probably a bit disappointed to start from the bench, so he made every post a winner tonight. I thought he was very dominant in the first half which was pleasing,” Seibold said.

“The challenge for ‘T’ is to be consistent and back that up week-in and week-out. I just want to see him reach his potential and be the best version of himself as a footy player.

“He has done a lot of hard work, and the performance staff have done a really good job to get him in the physical shape that he is in.  

"There are some outstanding forwards in the competition and Sam Burgess and Jason Taumalolo come to mind. Certainly Tevita has potential. He’ll continue to work hard, but I don’t want to overstate where he is at.”

The Broncos won the collisions across the field with the ball and the defensive efforts of the forwards in the first half got Seibold the result he was after.

The Cowboys were camped on the Broncos line for long periods in the first half and the Brisbane coach was pleased with the way his men held firm and were not intimidated by a pack bristling with internationals and Origin stars.

Back-rower Jaydn Su'A played in the middle off the bench and made 125 metres and 22 tackles, while prop Thomas Flegler made a team-high 195 metres and 22 tackles in 54 powerful minutes off the interchange bench.

"Both those young guys were really good tonight. With Matt Lodge and Payne Haas unavailable I made the decision to move Jaydn [from the edge] to the middle of the park and was good to see Tom get more time after he played 12 minutes last week," Seibold said.