Penrith have received a massive boost in the lead-up to Saturday's semi-final against Parramatta with prop Moses Leota signing a two-year contract extension.
The 26-year-old prop was already under contract for next season but has committed to the Panthers until the end of 2024.
"I’m extremely grateful to re-sign and have the opportunity to continue my career as a Panther," Leota said in a club statement.
"I’m humbled to have the support of everyone at the club and to know that they believe in me. This new deal means a lot to me and my family because this club is our home. We wouldn’t want to be anywhere else."
Leota was a late withdrawal from last Saturday's qualifying final loss to Souths due to a foot injury but is on track to make his return this weekend in Mackay.
The New Zealand-born forward progressed through the Panthers' junior development pathways and was a member of the club’s premiership-winning NYC side in 2015.
Getting Finals Ready with Moses Leota
He achieved his NRL debut in 2016, his Test debut for Samoa in 2019 and has gone on to make 103 NRL appearances in Panthers colours.
"Moses is another great example of the ‘built from within’ culture we have cultivated at Panthers, dating back to when Ivan [Cleary] started at the club in 2012," Panthers general manager Matt Cameron said.
"Over the years we have watched Moses develop into an accomplished first-grade footballer. He has always embraced hard work and epitomises many of the character traits we value at our club.
"Having represented Panthers at every level on the road to first grade, we are enormously proud to have Moses continue his journey in Panthers colours."
