The Penrith Panthers are banking on the further development of young talents Matt Moylan and Bryce Cartright after re-signing the duo to multi-year extensions.
Moylan, under contract until the end of next season, has seen his deal extended until the end of 2017 while the 19-year-old Cartwright has inked a new three-year deal until the end of 2018.
Fullback Moylan is just days removed from helping the Panthers claim their first top-four finish since 2010 courtesy of a 22-6 win over the New Zealand Warriors.
Moylan produced a try and set up two others to help Penrith secure a double-chance run in this year’s finals series and said the club’s form made his decision all the more easier.
“I’m really glad I’m staying at the Panthers. We’ve got a good team here at the moment, all the boys are great and Ivan (coach Cleary) is an outstanding leader, and I’m excited to see where we can take this club in the future,” Moylan told the Panthers website.
“As a team, we are playing some really good footy and it’s exciting to be a part of that.
“I’d like to thank Gus (executive general manager Phil Gould), Phil Moss (general manager of rugby league) and Ivan for giving me the opportunity to play first grade, and a big thank you to all of our members and fans for supporting me over the last couple of years. You made my decision to stay very easy.”
An ankle injury will see Cartwright miss the finals, kicking off when the Panthers face minor premiers the Sydney Roosters in Saturday’s qualifying final at Allianz Stadium.
“I really appreciate what the Panthers have done for me and the faith they have shown in my ability,” Cartwright said.
“Penrith is where I started my footy career and it’s definitely where I want to stay and develop it over the next few years.
Photo: Mark Nolan/Getty Images
