NSW star Tevita Pangai Jr is set to QUIT the NRL to pursue boxing career in latest blow to the struggling Bulldogs

Canterbury promoter Tevita Pangai Jr is set to leave the NRL at the end of the season to pursue a career in boxing.

The 27-year-old, signed for 2024 for an estimated $750,000, briefed the Bulldogs this week on his desire to focus on family and fighting and will continue to work with them on the details of his departure.

As of Tuesday afternoon, no official release request had yet been submitted to the club and the Bulldogs had not yet concluded a payout agreement.

But Canterbury is unlikely to stand in the way of Pangai as he pursues a release and is expected to confirm this shortly.

Pangai has fought professionally twice and has a 2-0 record, first defeating Gerico Cecil by technical knockout in December 2021 and then knocking out Jerry Tupai in December.

The 24-year-old (right) has fought professionally twice and won both bouts

The mooted retirement from rugby league continues a whirlwind year for Pangai, who was selected to make a surprise NSW debut in the State of Origin series opener.

He was dropped for the second game and has struggled for consistent form with the 15th-seeded Bulldogs ever since.

At his best, Pangai was one of the most damaging forwards in the game.

Pangai burst onto the scene with Brisbane in 2016 after a decorated career in the Under-20s with Canberra.

After a mid-season move to Penrith, he played a vital role in their landing to the 2021 Grand Final, a win he ultimately missed out on injury.

Pangai’s departure would free the Bulldogs to go to market as they continue their rebuilding under coach Cameron Ciraldo.

Luke Thompson, Canterbury’s other big front rower, is out of contract at the end of the season, while the Bulldogs are in dire need of starch in the middle of the park.