WAYNE Bennett’s stunning deal to coach South Sydney from 2020 could have repercussions for Brisbane’s playing roster.

Rising NRL star Tevita Panagi Jnr is believed to have agreed to a one-year deal with the Broncos for 2019 and is hotly tipped to follow Bennett to Redfern.

Pangai Jnr has a close bond with Bennett that originates from his time in Newcastle when the star forward was a standout in the lower grades.

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Round 20

From there he played three years with the Raiders’ under-20s team before relocating to Brisbane to link up with Bennett.

Speaking on Fox Sports News, The Australian journalist Brent Read said he would be stunned if Pangai Jnr wasn’t at the Rabbitohs in 2020.

Earlier this season Bennett spoke of his special relationship with the 22-year-old Tonga representative, saying the reason he is at the Broncos is because of him.

“He came here because of me and that’s why he’s here at this club, for no other reason,” Bennett said.

“I am just pleased he is playing the football he is. We’ve got a pretty special relationship.

“I always knew what he could do and we just had to give him the time to be able to do that.”

Just last week Pangai Jnr confirmed to The Courier Mail that he was only interested in signing a one-year deal with the Broncos — not because he is waiting to see where Bennett goes, but to test his value on the market with another season under his belt.

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“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 told The Courier Mail.

“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.”

On Thursday afternoon Pangai Jnr posted a picture of himself on Instagram with the caption, “I’ve been saying it all along, #BronxNation2019”.