NRL signings: Panthers extend premiership winner for two seasons as the Sea Eagles lock in speed machine on the wing

The Panthers may be losing some of their biggest stars next year, but a grand final winner has extended his stay at the foot of the mountains.

Jason Saab has extended his stay with the Sea Eagles until the end of the 2029 season.

The Panthers have re-signed premiership winner Luke Garner for the next seasons, while the Sea Eagles have locked in one of the NRL’s quickest men on a long-term deal.

Garner, 28, spent five seasons with the Wests Tigers before he moved to Penrith in 2023. He only played 12 matches last season but came off the bench in the Panthers’ incredible comeback win in the grand final.

He has developed into a key part of their left edge that will look a lot different next year with Jarome Luai off to the Wests Tigers, while Taylan’s May future is in limbo.

The Panthers recently signed Isaiah Papali’i, who could slot into the back row, but Garner has shown he deserves to be in the mix, with Scott Sorensen expected to move to the middle once James Fisher-Harris joins the Warriors.

Luke Garner has been rewarded with a new deal on the back of a strong start to the season. Picture: Jason McCawley/Getty Images

“It means a lot to me to re-sign with the club for another two years,” Garner said.

“Ivan Cleary gave me my NRL debut back in the day and then it was special to win a grand final with him last year.

“To stick around here for another two years is pretty exciting. It’s great to see where this club is going and I’m looking forward to being a part of it.”

Meanwhile, the Sea Eagles have extended Jason Saab’s contract until the end of 2029 despite the speedster already being signed until 2026.

Saab joined Manly in 2021 and scored a whopping 26 tries in 27 matches, although he’s suffered a frustrating run of injuries that have kept him to just six appearances this season.

His speed has been a major asset for a Sea Eagles side that likes to move the ball around, which is why coach Anthony Seibold is confident the towering winger can push for higher honours.

The Sea Eagles have re-signed speedster Jason Saab on a long-term deal. Picture: Max Mason-Hubers

“The improvement Jason has shown over the last 18 months is significant. I believe he can now become an elite winger and a representative-class winger,’’ he said.

“It’s within reach. He has always had the potential.

“We’ve seen ‘Saaby’ score some great tries since he has come into first grade, but I think the consistency in his game has grown.

“That’s his biggest area of improvement. He has become a really consistent NRL player and I know he can become an elite winger.

“I feel Jason has only scratched the surface. He has got a real growth mindset to get better.

“Jason is such a coachable young man. We want him to continue to grow and excel at the NRL level for Manly.

“He loves this club. We love having him here. He is someone we wanted to keep long term, knowing how much potential he has got.”

Originally published as NRL signings: Panthers extend premiership winner for two seasons as the Sea Eagles lock in speed machine on the wing