Melbourne hang on for pulsating 30-24 win over the Dolphins as Ryan Papenhuyzen, Tevita Pangai Jnr make NRL returns…

The much-anticipated return of Tevita Pangai Junior to the NRL has created fireworks and plenty of admiration from Dolphins coach Wayne Bennett and teammates.

“I was really pleased with him. He was very good in his first game back,” Bennett said after the Dolphins’ 30–24 loss to Melbourne at Lang Park on Friday night.

Dolphins prop Josh Kerr agreed.

“It is scary to think where Tevita can get to,” Kerr said.

Pangai Jnr ignited a scuffle with a bone-jarring hit on Trent Loiero that cut the Storm lock in half. Loiero’s teammates took exception and a rumble ensued. Pangai Jnr was penalised for being offside but the hit itself was legitimate.

“That was awesome. I am all for it. I love that s***,” Kerr said.

“I love the spectacle of it. It lifted us all and the whole crowd were brought to their feet when Tevita did that big hit. He stamped his way into the team, I thought.

“I thought it was pretty good, but unfortunately he gave a penalty away.”

The 28-year-old was earlier put on report for a late tackle on Storm prop Christian Welch but Bennett said Pangai should not have anything to worry about with the match review committee.

READ MORE NEWS ON https://sporthips.co.uk/