The Panthers have extended Taylan May on a new two-year extension which will see the star outside back remain at the club until the end of 2026.
Returning to the NRL this year after suffering an ACL injury in the 2023 pre-season, the 22-year-old has starred in the centres, averaging 125 run metres and breaking 11 tackles in the Panthers’ opening three games.
Since making his debut for the Panthers in 2021, the Panthers junior has gone on to score 16 tries in 25 top-flight games and appear in five Test matches for Samoa.
“This club and the Panthers jersey means a lot to and I’m proud to stay here for another couple years – this play is home,” May said.
“Having grown up in the area, this place means a lot to me and my family, and I’m not only playing for myself but for the whole community.”
The news comes after the club also extended two-time premiership winner centre Izack Tago on a new three-year deal which will see the fellow centre remain at Penrith until the end of the 2028 season.
Warriors playmaker Luke Metcalf has agreed a two-year contract extension that will keep him at the club until the end of the 2026 season.
The 25-year-old joined the Warriors from the Sharks in 2023 and has chalked up 21 games for the club, including a starting role at five-eighth in the Warriors first two games for the season.
“We identified Luke a long time ago as a player of tremendous potential,” Warriors general manager recruitment, pathways and development Andrew McFadden said.
“From the early conversations with him right through to now he has continued to impress us with his maturity and just his willingness to buy in to everything we are trying to build here at the One New Zealand Warriors.”
The Warriors also extended 23-year-old hooker Freddy Lussick on a two-year deal which will also see him remain a Warrior until the end of 2026.
Manly forward Zac Fulton has been released from the final year of his contract to join the Bradford Bulls in the English second-tier league.
Following a request from the Fulton and his management, the 22-year-old will join Bradford for the remainder of the 2024 Championship season.
The grandson of Manly legend Bob Fulton made his sole appearance in the NRL for the Sea Eagles in 2022 and recently represented the Indigenous All Stars in Townsville.
“We wish Zac all the very best with the next chapter of his rugby league journey and thank him for all of his efforts at Manly,’’ Sea Eagles CEO Tony Mestrov said.
Two-time premiership winning Panther Izack Tago has signed a new three-year deal which will see the star centre remain at Penrith until the end of the 2028 season.
The news comes just two days before the 21-year-old is set to make his 50th NRL appearance against the Eels at BlueBet Stadium on Friday night.
Since making his debut for the Panthers in 2021, the Panthers junior has gone on to score 24 tries in 49 top-flight games, win two NRL premierships and appear in three Test matches for Samoa.
“I’m extremely happy to re-sign with the club. Even though I was already signed here for a couple of years, it’s great to lock in my future at my home club for another few years,” Tago said.
“Most of the team are Panthers juniors and we’ve all got a special relationship, so for me to stay here for as long as I can is something I’m excited about.”
