Dean Whare extends Panthers contract

Penrith centre Dean Whare has agreed to a three-year extension on his current contract, keeping him at the club until the end of the 2017 season.

Whare, 23, joined the Panthers at the end of 2012 from Manly, and after a superb 2013 season he was rewarded with a starting berth in New Zealand‘s World Cup side.

His combination with Roger Tuivasa-Sheck on the Kiwis right edge was a highlight throughout the tournament, and he is currently considered by many to be one of the best centres in rugby league.

Penrith Executive General Manager Phil Gould is on of those people, and he had this to say:

“Dean Whare was one of the real success stories at Panthers in season 2013. He came to the club for an opportunity to play regular first grade and has now established himself as a representative centre of the highest order.

“I have no doubt Dean’s best football is still in front of him and we feel very lucky to have him at Panthers for the next four seasons. Dean thoroughly deserves this new deal.”

Panthers head coach Ivan Cleary had similar views:

“In 12 months Dean has not only cemented an NRL spot, but he’s also excelled at an international level for the Kiwis.

“Dean will become a mainstay in our backline over the next four years, whilst we continue to develop exciting youngsters such as Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, George Jennings and James Roberts.”