THE most sought after young forward in the NRL has decided his future.

Tongan sensation Tevita Pangai Jr has told The Courier-Mail that he will re-sign with the Brisbane Broncos on a one-year deal after having played the entire 2018 campaign without a contract for next season.

“As soon as I get back from America I will sign with the Broncos. Hopefully this ends all the rumours now,” Pangai Jr told the newspaper. “I just want to sign a one-year deal.”

Round 20

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Pangai Jr has forged a close bond with coach Wayne Bennett, who will leave the Broncos at the end of the 2019 season after being told his contract isn’t being renewed.

However, Pangai Jr denied his decision to only sign a 12-month deal had anything to do with possibly following Bennett to a new club, instead claiming it was to maximise his options.

Tevita Pangai Jr has forged a close bond with Broncos coach Wayne Bennett. Source: AAP

“It’s got nothing to do with what’s happened with Wayne leaving the club. I told the club way back in Round 2 after the Cowboys game that I only wanted to do a 12-month deal,” he said.

“I’m a young guy and I want to back myself.

“I think I’ve got a lot of improvement in me as a player and it’s in my best interests to do a one-year deal.

“I love the Broncos but I have to do what’s best for myself as an individual, so just the one year suits me.

“It’s always been my intention to keep working hard and keep challenging myself.”

Pangai Jr expressed sadness but was mostly sanguine that Bennett’s time at the Broncos is drawing to a close.

“I was disappointed for Wayne but everyone gets the tap on the shoulder one day, you just have to be ready for it,” Pangai Jr said.

“What can I say? It’s life in the NRL but there were a lot of things that were out of control for the players (last season).

“Wayne did a great job of keeping us boys together. He’s a great coach but I have faith in the Broncos board to find the right coach to take us forward.”

Tevita Pangai Jr celebrates scoring a try against the Panthers. Source: AAP

Pangai Jr had attracted interest from the Roosters and Canberra, while he visited the set-up at the Newcastle Knights under coach Nathan Brown just a month before the NRL finals.

“I looked at the Newcastle set-up but it was a curiosity thing,” he said.

“I am from Newcastle and my best mates are there, so naturally I was keen to look at their set-up.

“They are going to be a strong club in the next few years, so they were attractive, but I feel like I can play my best football at the Broncos.”