Premiership-winning forward Spencer Leniu has informed Penrith he will leave the back-to-back Premiers at the end of the 2023 season.
Panthers Rugby League CEO Matt Cameron confirmed Leniu’s departure this morning.
“Although it’s disappointing to see a Panthers junior sign with another NRL club, we understand Spencer is a premiership winner and international player, who has received external interest,” he said.
“Panthers thanks Spencer for his efforts for the club and is looking forward to seeing him run out for the Panthers for the remainder of the 2023 NRL season.”
Leniu’s future has been the subject of much speculation in recent months, with reports initially linking him to Canterbury. However, it’s understood Leniu will announce his future is in Bondi in the coming days with the Sydney Roosters blowing all offers out of the water.
Leniu made his first grade debut for Penrith in 2019 and played in Penrith’s two Premiership wins.
He’s represented Samoa on five occasions.
Leniu’s departure continues the break-up of Penrith’s premiership-winning 2022 team with Viliame Kikau, Charlie Staines and Apisai Koroisau already leaving the club, and Stephen Crichton to follow at the end of the year.
Troy Dodds is the Weekender’s Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia’s leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.
