Penrith have moved quickly to lock away fast rising centre Stephen Crichton amid interest from six other clubs.
Crichton will reportedly re-sign with the club on a three-year deal worth $1.5 million, reports The Daily Telegraph.
The new deal will see Crichton remain at Penrith until at least the end of 2024.
It comes as clubs circled the 19-year old with as many as six clubs reportedly interested in Crichton's services, none more so than the cashed-up Canterbury Bulldogs.
Penrith are hoping to secure Crichton's signature sometime in the next month.
“Stephen is an exceptional talent,” Penrith deputy chairman Greg Alexander told The Daily Telegraph.
“He is a unique talent. He is a great athlete but he also has a good football brain. He is quick, got terrific hands and can jump.
“Stephen is an all-round footy player. We hope (the deal) can be done soon.”
The Samoan-born Crichton is free to field offers from November 1 this year but Penrith want him locked away by then.
He recently said contract negotiations would “take care of themselves.”
Good news!
They should get him locked away ! Before the useless vultures who can’t produce any decent players of their own come knocking.
It shouldn’t be up to the Panthers, Knights , Broncos , Cowboys , Warriors mostly. To produce the talent for the other useless clubs. They should get up off their wallets & butts & do that for themselves.
Next up.. Get the signatures of May, Staines Penrith. I’d say Burton as well. However, that deal is probably already done to leave. Even though he’s contracted at Penrith for next season as well. Doesn’t seem to come into it?
Personally, I’d re-sign Burton Panthers & let Luai go. If someone had to go?
There’s a Premiership there to be Won for the club. If they can keep the right talent & not keep building the likes of the Eels, Tigers, Bulldogs etc.