The prop forward had been confirmed as a new signing back in July on a one-year deal having spent this year with Catalans Dragons.
However, The Wire have now confirmed he will not be heading to England to take up his deal.
> COMMENT: Another bloody nose for recruitment or a key message sent?
In a very short statement, the club say they were ‘disappointed’ to have been told by Pangai Junior that he no longer wished to join the club.
In a rather pointed addition, however, they say they will continue to build “a squad of players who are fully invested in the club and its ambitions.”
“Tevita Pangai Junior has recently informed the Club of his decision not to join for the 2026 season,” the club statement read.
“While we are disappointed, the Club accepts his decision, as we remain committed to building a squad of players who are fully invested in the Club and its ambitions.
“We wish Tevita the very best in his future endeavours.”
Pangai Junior’s signing was part of an overhaul of The Wire’s middle unit for 2026, with Liam Byrne and Toafofoa Sipley joining him while Paul Vaughan has departed to join York Knights.