Penrith have been given a major boost heading into the season, with representative forward Lindsay Smith committing to the club for a further three years.
Smith, who played two games for the Kangaroos, has developed into one of the Panthers’ main men in the middle and is already a two-time premiership winner.
He stepped into the void left by James Fisher-Harris last season and with his contract set to expire at the end of this year, Penrith moved quickly to extend him until 2029.
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“Lindsay is a tremendous asset to our team, both in what he delivers on the field and the standards he sets every day at training,” head coach Ivan Cleary said.
“His work ethic, consistency and physicality are invaluable to our forward pack.”
Lindsay Smith. Getty
Penrith general manager Shane Elford said it was a priority re-signing for the club.
“Lindsay is developing into one of the elite props in the competition, and we’re extremely pleased to have re-signed him,” he said.
“He has come through our pathways and understands what it means to represent the Panthers and our community.”
Smith has played 80 games for Penrith, featuring in the 2023 and 2024 grand final wins.
The 26-year-old’s retention is a crucial one for the Panthers, who will lose Liam Henry to the Perth Bears at the end of this season.