‘These qualities make him a unique talent’: Yeo signs new deal ahead of major milestone

The exit of premiership stars from Penrith has been a constant in recent seasons but now the Panthers have locked in a star player for life.

Isaah Yeo is set to be a Panther for life after signing a new long-term deal. Picture: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images

The Panthers have locked in one of their most important pieces with co-captain Isaah Yeo signing a new deal that will keep him at the club until the end of the 2027 season.

It’s a big start for Yeo’s milestone week with the workhorse lock set to play NRL game 200 when he leads the side out against Canberra on Friday night.

The 28-year-old lock forward was already signed on for next year, and his extension means the Panthers have tied down superstars like Yeo, Nathan Cleary and Brian To’o until 2027, while James Fisher-Harris is locked in until the end of 2026.

Yeo’s hard work has paid off with the Panthers co-captain inking a new deal that will keep him at the club until the end of the 2027 season. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

“I couldn’t be prouder to re-sign with the club and I’m excited to see what we will achieve over the next few years,” Yeo said.

“I’m obviously over the moon. I’ve called the club home since I was 17 years old. To secure my future here until 2027 is something I couldn’t be prouder of.

“I have a young family and we all get to grow up in the area. My fiancee, Ash, is from Penrith and we’re proud to call this place home.”

Yeo made his NRL debut in 2014 and has developed into one of the best middle forwards in the game for the Panthers, Blues and Kangaroos, having enjoyed World Cup success in 2022 after also being named Dally M lock of the year for the second season running.

He’s been a big part of their back-to-back premierships, and his ball-playing through the middle will have them in the mix when the finals roll around.

The Panthers will always be premiership threats with Yeo and Cleary calling the shots. Picture: Jenny Evans/Getty Images

“This will be an extremely popular re-signing for Panthers,” coach Ivan Cleary said.

“Isaah has a huge influence on the team through his own elite level performance, total commitment as a team player, and also tremendous leadership on and off the field.

“These qualities make him a unique talent that we are very fortunate to have for years to come.”