NRL 2022: Panthers re-sign Mitch Kenny, Ash Taylor earns Warriors deal as Starford To’a leaves Knights for Tigers

The NRL signing circus is in full swing again, with Penrith joining in on the action after moves by Wests Tigers and the Warriors.

Penrith have dipped back into their junior nursery to find their hooker of the future after re-signing back-up rake Mitch Kenny for another two seasons.

The Panthers have been on the lookout for a replacement for premiership-winning No.9 Apisai Koroisau, who will depart at the end of this year to join the Wests Tigers.

But instead of hitting the market, the defending premiers have instead opted with locking in the 24-year-old Kenny until the end of the 2024 season.

“I’m completely stoked because Panthers is home for me,” Kenny said.

“The people at this club have shown faith in me from the very beginning and been patient with my development.

“I give them so much credit for making me the player and the person that I am today.

“It feels awesome to know that I’ll get to keep putting on the Panthers jersey and representing our community.”

Mitch Kenny has signed on for another two seasons with the Panthers. Picture: NRL Photos

Kenny is a Windsor Wolves local who was part of the grand final-winning 2016 SG Ball side that included current NRL teammates Brian To’o and Sean O’Sullivan.

After making his first grade debut in 2019, he has since played 36 NRL games, mostly off the bench behind the two-time grand final winner in Koroisau.

Kenny featured in 18 games during Penrith’s triumphant season last year, including two finals appearances, and now appears on track to be their first-choice hooker.

He was one of a handful of dummy halves to come off contract at the end of the year, a group that now consists of the inexperienced Aaron Booth, Manase Fainu and Freddie Lussick.

Mitch Kenny played 18 games for the Panthers in 2021. Picture: NRL Photos

“Mitch has shown patience and dedication in developing his game over the last few years and we are thrilled to reward him with a contract extension,” said Panthers general manager Matt Cameron.

“He is a well-liked and highly respected member of the playing group, and there is no doubt his best years are still ahead of him.

“We consider Mitch a shining example for every young player in the Penrith district, and across the game for that matter, in regards to what can be achieved through hard work and perseverance.”

Maligned star earns ‘deserved’ NRL lifeline

Ash Taylor has secured an NRL lifeline at the Warriors after being upgraded to a full-time contract with the club for the upcoming season.

“He has given us an experienced voice and has added to the competition in our halves.”

Taylor could only manage to land a train-and-trial deal with the Warriors this summer after his million-dollar deal with Gold Coast expired at the end of last year.

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Ash Taylor gets to resurrect his career with the Warriors.

However, the 26-year-old has shown enough to join their NRL squad and compete for a playmaking spot alongside Shaun Johnson, Chanel Harris-Tevita and Kodi Nikorima.

“We’re excited to confirm Ash is staying with us. He has been a great addition since joining the club and has more than met our expectations,” said Warriors general manager Craig Hodges.

“He has added so much with his training ethic, enthusiasm and his all-round contribution.”

After making his first grade debut with Brisbane in 2015, Taylor emerged as a star of the future when he signed a lucrative contract with the Titans the following season.

However, the Toowoomba product has since failed to deliver on his potential, and wasn’t offered a new deal by Gold Coast last year.

He has played 115 games in six seasons, but will be hoping to rebuild his career under the tutelage of coach Nathan Brown.

“Ash has fitted in well with our group and we’re really enjoying having him around,” said Warriors captain Tohu Harris.

Tigers snare flyer as rebuild continues

The Wests Tigers have strengthened their rebuild with the immediate addition of promising Newcastle flyer Starford To’a.

The Knights on Friday morning confirmed the release of To’a from the final two years of his deal to join the Tigers until the end of next season.

The 21-year-old joins Oliver Gildart, Tyrone Peachey and Jackson Hastings as the new faces this year, while blue-chip signings Apisai Koroisau and Isaiah Papalii join in 2023.

To’a and Gildart will vie for a suddenly deep backline that already includes mainstays David Nofoaluma, Ken Maumalo, James Roberts and Tommy Talau.

Starford To'a has left Newcastle to join Wests Tigers. Picture: NRL Images

To’a has scored 11 tries in 20 games since making his debut in 2019, having risen through the Knights’ junior ranks following his arrival from Auckland.

However with exciting youngster Bradman Best and Kangaroos star Dane Gagai likely to partner in the centres this year, To’a faced an uphill battle to crack into the top squad.

“Starford is a talented player with NRL experience and I’m really pleased to welcome him to our team,” Tigers coach Michael Maguire said.

“Starford will be a great addition to the talented young squad that we’re building, and I look forward to him joining the team ahead of the 2022 NRL season.”

Starford To'a scored 11 tries for the Knights in 20 games. Picture: Getty Images

It’s not the first time the two clubs have been discussed as training partners over the summer, with Luke Brooks heavily linked to replace the departed Mitchell Pearce.

However Brooks currently remains with the joint venture and is all but certain to start the season in the halves alongside Hastings.