NRL transfers 2021: Penrith Panthers’ 10 off-contract stars in 2021
Penrith’s rivals continue to target the Panthers’ talented roster with 10 star players yet to commit beyond 2021. Who can they keep and who is on the move?
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Penrith could lose a third grand final star with forward Zane Tetevano being targeted by English Super League giants Leeds.
Well-placed UK sources have told The Daily Telegraph the Rhinos are preparing a three-year offer for Tetevano worth $1.5m.
It will become the big payday Tetevano has sought for the past decade.
The Leeds deal is around $150,000 more each season than Tetevano’s current contract at the Panthers. It is the equivalent to marquee player money for England.
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Front-rower Tetevano, who came off the bench in this year’s 26-20 grand final loss to Melbourne, still has another season remaining at Penrith. But, there would be a push – should he agree to the deal – to join Leeds immediately.
The Panthers have lost grand final prop James Tamou to Wests Tigers while winger Josh Mansour, while still having a year left at Penrith, has been told to look elsewhere.
Matt Burton and Daine Laurie will leave Penrith for Canterbury and Wests respectively after next season while the club is desperately attempting to retain young star Stephen Crichton, off contract after 2021.
At age 30, Tetevano feels the Leeds offer could be his final chance to secure a contract worth around $500,000 a season.
Penrith officials have been told of Leeds’ interest.
Tetevano had a strong 2020 season, playing 19 games, 17 off the bench, averaging 96 run metres a game and 15 tackles. He averaged 31 minutes a game.
The key issue now is whether Penrith release Tetevano a year early, given the club has already lost one prop in Tamou.
Penrith is negotiating a contract extension with another prop, Spencer Leniu, whose deal expires after next season. If the club can retain Leniu they may consider an early exit for Tetevano.
Should Leniu switch clubs, he is being courted by Canterbury, then Penrith may tell Tetevano he must honour his deal in 2021.
Panthers coach Ivan Cleary is wary of allowing another prop to leave given Tamou has already departed.
The Daily Telegraph contacted Penrith officials seeking clarification on the club’s position with Tetevano, with general manager of rugby league, Matt Cameron, replying: “Not sure it’s appropriate to comment on it at this point in time. Thanks for your interest.”
English clubs are short on front-rowers and may target more big in coming months.
Attracting NRL players to Super League has been difficult though due to a reluctance to travel to England through COVID.
Tetevano is a former Newcastle and Sydney Roosters forward who was part of the Roosters’ 2018 grand final-winning side.
He was originally named in the Roosters’ 2019 grand final team but was overlooked late due to the return from injury of Jake Friend. Following that match, Rooster coach Trent Robinson gave his grand final ring to Tetevano.
Leeds, coached by Richard Agar, ran fifth this year in Super League.
GONE
The Panthers assistant, credited with reinvigorating Penrith’s attack, has joined Canterbury as their new head coach on a three-year deal. Although he signed in July, Barrett remained in Penrith and helped them to a grand final. But the Bulldogs have been actively targeting some of his former players.
Penrith’s inspirational captain has signed a two-year deal to join Wests Tigers from 2021, leaving a huge hole to fill in both experience and their starting lineup.
The fiery forward has signed a two-year deal with an option for a third year to link with coach Trent Barrett at Canterbury after successfully securing a release from the Panthers.
The back-up fullback, 23, will join Canberra on a one-year deal, following 12 NRL appearances for Penrith over three seasons.
GOING
The talented half has signed a two-year deal to join Canterbury from 2022 with an option in his favour for a third season. The Bulldogs haven’t given up hope of securing Burton for the 2021 season.
The 21-year-old has signed a two-year contract to join Wests Tigers from 2022. He will get first crack at the Tigers’ fullback spot if he can gain a release from his Panthers development deal for 2021.
IN DEMAND
The management of the 20-year-old has lodged an official counter offer with Penrith to retain the rising star, to the tune of $750,000 a season. The Panthers are desperate to retain the young centre but may struggle with salary cap space as rivals circle him.
The 20-year-old prop has attracted interest from a number of clubs, including St George Illawarra and Canterbury. Penrith want to lock in the local junior long-term and Tetevano’s potential departure could help their cause.
UNWANTED
Seventy two hours after their grand final loss, coach Ivan Cleary sat down with Mansour and told him he had lost his spot in the Panthers team for next season. The 30-year-old is now on the lookout for another club, despite having a year to run on his Penrith deal.
OFF CONTRACT AFTER 2021
Kurt Capewell
Stephen Crichton
Robert Jennings
Mitch Kenny
Spencer Leniu
Jarome Luai
Josh Mansour
Tyrone May
Brent Naden
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