Leniu rejects rivals to re-sign at Penrith

Rising star Spencer Leniu has rejected interest from rival clubs to re-sign with the Panthers until the end of 2023.

The 20-year-old prop fielded lucrative offers from Canterbury and St George Illawarra to leave at the end of next season but he has inked a contract extension for a further two more years at Penrith.

"I’m humbled and blessed to extend my time at Panthers," Leniu said.

"This club and this community has been home for me since I moved over from New Zealand 10 years ago.

"I know the staff and players here will help take my game to the next level. It’s a special group of people.

We’re determined to turn the success of last season into something more and I’m excited to be a part of it."

A local junior with Minchinbury Jets, Leniu progressed through the Panthers' development system to achieve his NRL debut in 2019.

The former Australian Schoolboys and NSW under-20 representative has made 17 Telstra Premiership appearances and was a member of the team which lost this year's grand final to Melbourne.

"Spencer has been growing his game in the Panthers system since the age of 15," general manager Matt Cameron said.

"It’s a system we regularly reference as our club invests significant money and resources each year to develop young players, particularly those from the Penrith region and Central West NSW.

"It gives us great satisfaction that Spencer has recognised the value of the opportunity to play at Panthers despite receiving more lucrative offers from other clubs."