Penrith Panthers is delighted to announce that Sunia Turuva and Lindsay Smith have both re-signed with the club for the next two seasons.
Turuva, who is currently an NRL Development Player, will be promoted to the top 30 for the next two seasons, while Smith will remain in the Panthers first grade squad until at least the end of the 2024 season.
“The re-signings of Sunia and Lindsay are great examples of the built from within culture we have cultivated at Panthers,” Panthers Rugby League CEO Matt Cameron said.
“Both of these players were developed through the Panthers system and it’s great to see these local juniors commit to the club for the next two seasons.
“Sunia has overcome a number of hurdles over the past few years, yet he has embraced hard work, and epitomises many of the club values at Panthers.
“Lindsay is a quality young man, who is dedicated towards his rugby league career, and I look forward to seeing his game grow over the coming years.”
Turuva, who played for St Marys, spent his entire junior representative football with the Panthers’ Harold Matthews and SG Ball teams.
The 19-year-old outside back was promoted to an NRL Development Player ahead of the 2021 season and has been a key cog in the club’s NSW Cup team this year.
Despite receiving offers from other NRL clubs, Turuva saw the benefit of remaining at the Panthers to continue his rugby league growth as his career progresses.
“Panthers obviously means a lot to me. I came through the juniors at the club and I’ve played all my footy here,” Turuva said.
“I’m proud to pull on a Panthers jersey and I’m excited to be staying here for another two seasons.”
A St Marys junior, Smith first entered the Panthers development pathways program at the age of 14 via the club’s Junior Elite Training Scheme.
A former Australian Schoolboys representative, Smith has overcome a number of injury setbacks throughout his junior career, including back-to-back shoulder reconstructions.
The 22-year-old made his NRL debut for the Panthers against Wests Tigers in Round 13 last season.
“Being a Penrith junior, I’ve always aspired to play for the club, so it’s obviously exciting to re-sign for another two years,” Smith said.
“Everyone at the club is working towards the same goal and it’s something I want to be a part of.”
