NRL: Penrith Panthers signings: Paul Momirovski, Scott Sorensen, Jaeman Salmon

Penrith have added more bite to their side with a former Tiger joining the club in a swap deal after a former Cronulla Sharks player with a famous name also signed.

Paul Momirovski at a Melbourne Storm NRL training session last season.

Penrith Panthers has snared the services of Paul Momirovski on a two-year deal after the big centre was released by rivals, Wests Tigers, who the club meets in round 13 at Leichhardt Oval.

The signing of Momirovski, part of two premiership winning squads in the past at the Roosters and Melbourne Storm, is part of an swap which sees Daine Laurie granted a release from the Panthers to join the Tigers.

“It’s always sad to see a player we’ve developed leave the club however Paul is a talented young footballer and we’re thrilled this arrangement has allowed us to secure his services for the next two seasons,” said Panthers General Manager Rugby League Matt Cameron.

“Our club has been very strong regarding the circumstances under which we would entertain releasing a player ahead of time. This is clearly one such instance.

“Paul’s previous experience at the Roosters and Storm means he understands what winning culture looks and feels like and the work it takes to get there.

“As shown by our club’s performances in 2020, that’s the culture we have strived to cultivate at Panthers.

“We believe Paul is ready to take the next step in his career and we’re excited he’ll have the opportunity to do it in Panthers colours.”

The Penrith Panthers at a pre-season camp in Broken Bay. Source: Penrith Panthers

“QUALITY INDIVIDUAL’’ SCOTT SORENSON LATEST SIGNATURE

The 27-year-old, the nephew of former stars Dane and Kurt Sorensen, made his debut back in 2014 and joins the Panthers with 39 NRL appearances to his name.

“I’m extremely grateful to have an opportunity here at Panthers,” said Sorensen, whose brother-in-law is Chad Townsend.

“As an outsider looking in I was always impressed by the culture and camaraderie between the Penrith players.

“Getting the chance to be part of that and to work on my game in a new environment is something I’m really excited about.”

The Penrith Panthers are put through their paces during a pre-season camp in Broken Bay, Source: Penrith Panthers

CAN’T WAIT TO RIP IN - PANTHERS SIGN FORMER EELS PLAYER

He’s a former schoolboy star who nearly lost his career before it really started.

Now Jaeman Salmon, born and bred in the Sutherland Shire before being picked up by the Parramatta Eels as a talented teen, has found a new home at the Penrith Panthers.

One of 11 Eels to exit the club at the end of the 2020 season, the Panthers announced the signing of Salmon, 21, on Tuesday.

It’s another chapter in the interesting story of the Caringbah local who broke his back while trialling for a spot in the Australian schoolboys team.

Jaeman Salmon scoring at the NRL Nines 2020 tournament.

A De La Salle Caringbah junior who was so good he represented the Blues in under 16s and under 18s Origin, Salmon hurt himself on the field while trialling for a schoolboy team.

X-rays later diagnosed two complete fractures in his C1 vertebra.

Once recovered he signed a three-year deal with Parramatta, making his NRL debut in 2018 and playing 17 games all up in the competition during his time at the Eels.

“I’m excited to be part of such a strong squad and can’t wait to rip in,” Salmon said.

“From Ivan (Cleary) to the players, there are a lot of people here I can learn from and continue to develop my game.

“I’m focused on training as hard as I can so I’ll be ready to go in whatever role they need me to play.”

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Originally published as NRL: Penrith Panthers signings: Paul Momirovski, Scott Sorensen, Jaeman Salmon