Brisbane Broncos forward Tevita Pangai Junior says he hopes to take a page out of Ash Barty's book in his bid for NRL redemption.
Pangai, 25, found his name in the headlines last season for the wrong reasons following a number of off-field incidents. He was issued a breach notice after breaking NRL biosecurity rules and fined $30,000 for attending the opening of a bikie-owned barbershop, which also resulted in him being stood down without pay for the remainder of the season back in August.
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The Broncos prop narrowly avoided losing his $650,000-a-year contract but is understood to have lost close to $100,000 in wages following last year's off-field drama.
Pangai's contract was saved under the agreement he adhere to a number of strict terms moving forward, which included handing in his football boots for a labouring gig.
Having now completed a three-month labouring stint, Pangai admits he has a different outlook on his career.
The Tongan international, who's been enjoying the Australian Open during his off-season, revealed he hopes to become like Barty, the current world No.1 in women's tennis.
Pangai said the Australian tennis star's composure is how he needs to conduct himself so he doesn't "miss the bus" with his career still on the line.
"I just feel like it's my last chance before I miss the bus. I remember seeing an interview with Roger Federer and he was saying it's easy to miss the bus when you are young and have all the talent but don't put in the hard work," he told the Courier-Mail
"I've been watching the tennis and I watch someone like Ash Barty and the way she carries herself. She keeps her cool and is very balanced mentally. That's the way I need to be."
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