The Panthers have re-signed two-time premiership winner Luke Garner in a move that will keep him at the club until the end of 2028 and ensures the versatile forward doesn\u2019t leave them for one of the two expansion sides.<\/p>\n
Garner would have been a great signing for either the Perth Bears in 2027 or the Papua New Guinea Chiefs when they enter the NRL in 2028.<\/p>\n
But he\u2019s chosen to stay at the foot of the mountains where he won titles in 2023 and 2024.<\/p>\n
The 30-year-old made his NRL debut in 2018 and spent five seasons at the Wests Tigers before he made the move to Penrith where he\u2019s enjoyed a lot more success.<\/p>\n
\u201cLuke has been an outstanding addition to the Panthers since arriving in 2023 and we\u2019re excited to have him commit to the club for a further two seasons,\u201d Panthers general manager of football Shane Elford said<\/p>\n
\u201cHe is a true professional who prepares diligently and consistently delivers for the team. His work ethic, versatility and team-first attitude are highly valued within our group.\u201d<\/p>\n
Garner has been a key cog in the Penrith machine given his ability to play in the back row on either side of the field, while he\u2019s also more than comfortable in the centres where he\u2019s provided terrific defensive cover.<\/p>\n
But his value to the club extends beyond the footy field, with Panthers officials thrilled that they were able to convince him to stay.<\/p>\n
\u201cLuke is not only a high-quality footballer, but a terrific person who represents our club with integrity,\u201d Panthers rugby league chief executive Matt Cameron said.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe is someone who genuinely invests in the community, whether that\u2019s through charity work or engaging with our fans, and he consistently gives his time to make a positive difference.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re proud to have him at Panthers and pleased he\u2019ll continue to be part of our organisation for the next two seasons.\u201d<\/p>\n