The Panthers have announced the re-signings of young guns Luron Patea, Billy Scott, Trent Toelau, Luke Sommerton and Billy Phillips.
19-year-old prop Patea has been immediately elevated to the NRL squad on a deal that will see him remain at the club until the end of the 2027 season.
A St Clair Comets junior, Patea represented New South Wales in last year’s Under-19s State of Origin match and has been a key player in the club’s NSW Cup side this season.
19-year-old hooker Scott will also remain at the Panthers until at least the end of 2027 after recommitting his future to the club.
The Windsor Wolves junior, who also represented the Under-19s Blues last year, has been promoted to an NRL development player until the end of next season before being added to the top 30 in 2026 and 2027.
24-year-old playmaker Toelau has signed an upgraded contract that will see him be an NRL development player for the next 18 months before progressing to the NRL squad in 2026.
The Victorian junior made his NRL debut in Round 13 against St George Illawarra and also featured in the first grade team against Newcastle last Sunday.
24-year-old hooker Sommerton, who is currently an NRL development player, will be promoted to the top 30 next season on a one-year deal.
A crafty number nine, Sommerton has played four first grade matches – including last week’s match against the Knights – since debuting for the club in Round 24 last season.
20-year-old lock Phillips has committed to the club for the next three seasons.
The Forbes junior, who was awarded the Panthers SG Ball MVP Award last year, will train with the squad on a full-time basis for the next couple of seasons before joining the top 30 in 2027.
“On behalf of all at Panthers, I’d like to congratulate these five players on re-signing with the club,” Panthers General Manager of Football Shane Elford said.
“These young guys have all been impressive over the past couple of seasons and thoroughly deserve their contract extensions.
“Not only are they talented footballers, but they are also great young men who are dedicated to their rugby league careers – and we look forward to watching their progression in Panthers colours.”
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