Robert Jennings returns to Panthers, Eels eye Bryce Cartwright, Bevan French
The Penrith Panthers have added some depth to their backline stocks luring a former NYC premiership winner back to the foot of the mountains.
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Penrith have lured local junior Robert Jennings home on a one-year deal.
Jennings returns to Panthers following four seasons with South Sydney and the Wests Tigers.
The 24-year is thrilled to return to the club where he made his NRL debut in 2015.
“I was over the moon when I heard there was a chance to come back to Penrith,” Jennings said.
“This is where I grew up, where my career started, and this is the place I call home.
“I’m extremely grateful to have the opportunity to reunite with so many of the talented players that I came through the grades with.
“The last couple of years have been tough but coming back to Panthers is a chance for me to hit the reset button, get back into the hard work and prove that I belong in the NRL.”
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Panthers General Manager Rugby League Matt Cameron believes Jennings’ return is a testament to the club’s proven systems in the lower grades.
“This club is at its best when players come through our junior development pathways and progress into the NRL together,” Cameron said.
“Robert is an example of a player who was on that path. He played his most impressive football alongside a number of the individuals who are currently in our first-grade team.
“We see Robert’s return to Panthers as an opportunity for him to rediscover that form while adding some strong depth to our roster.”
EELS CHASE CARTWRIGHT AND A FRENCH CONNECTION
Parramatta has started talks with off-contract NRL star Bryce Cartwright.
But the club’s pursuit of former Eels flyer Bevan French has hit a major hurdle with Wigan offering the 24-year-old the biggest contract of his career to stay in the UK.
While no deal has been struck, discussions are progressing with Eels coach Brad Arthur known to be a huge fan of Cartwright’s ability.
Cartwright, 25, split with Gold Coast last month and continues to search for a new club after returning to Sydney.
It is understood Parramatta would offer Cartwright a one-year contract.
“He definitely hasn’t signed yet – there are still things to work through,” said Cartwright’s manager, Allan Gainey.
“Discussions are going on but nothing has yet been decided on.
“It may happen but there hasn’t been a contract signed or an agreement of terms at this stage.”
Cartwright was earning around $450,000 a season at the Titans but would be forced to take a hefty pay cut by joining Parramatta.
The Sydney Roosters have also been mooted as a club that may have an interest in Cartwright.
Asked by News Corp last month why an NRL club should punt on him, Cartwright said: “Because of the shit I have dished up over the last three years There’s no way I want to do that again.
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“I want to play NRL again – that hasn’t changed. I feel like I’ve still got so much more to offer. I won’t stop trying. It will come down to me proving to people that I can do it and I will do it.
“Ninety-nine per cent of people think I’m done. That’s another driving factor. It makes me want it even more. I want to prove to them that I will work my arse off.”
The Eels have been busy in the transfer market, already signing three players for next season.
French had been identified by the Eels as another target signing for 2021, with the electric outside back providing coach Brad Arthur a number of options in his backline.
But French is in such sizzling form in the English Super League with Wigan, club management have offered the Tingha-born talent a contract offer in excess of $350,000 a season.
French is the Super League competition‘s leading try scorer with 13-tries in 15-games this season and such is his appeal with fans, Wigan want him to become the face of the club’s marketing campaign.
Wigan‘s offer is for the 2021 and 2022 seasons.
Parramatta were offering — and still are — the lure of a return to the NRL and the prospect of returning to his family could entice French back to the club where he played 47-games between 2016 and 2019.
The Eels will be unable to match Wigan‘s offer, but remain hopeful French will consider returning to the blue and gold.
Wigan coach Adrian Lam has made no secret of his desire to keep French at the club.
“He‘s been unbelievable for us and he’s only going to get better if we can keep him here next year,” Lam told reporters earlier this month.
“We‘re doing our best to keep him.
“It‘s well known that he’s getting a few bites from the NRL but it’s not a done deal and be reassured we’ve left no stone unturned. I talk to Bevan every day and that will continue.
“We‘re working hard as a club to make sure he gets what he wants but at the end of the day it’s Bevan who has to make that decision.”