The Penrith Panthers have announced the signing of New Zealand international Peta Hiku from the Manly Sea Eagles on a three-year deal.
Unwanted by new Manly coach Trent Barrett, the Panthers wasted no time in expressing interest in the 23-year-old utility, who played 61 games at the Sea Eagles over three seasons.
“The fact that Peta, at a young age, has forced his way into that tremendous Manly backline and has performed so well on the international stage for the Kiwis is indicative of his tremendous ability,” said Panthers General Manager Phil Gould.
“At 23 years of age, he obviously has the best of his career in front of him and we are excited he is going to be a Panther for the next three years.”
Heading into what will be Penrith’s 50th season, Hiku is a remarkable signing, one who has flown under the radar with all the talk surrounding the James Roberts debacle at the Gold Coast, and Dylan Walker’s release from the South Sydney Rabbitohs.
There is little doubt Hiku will significantly strengthen the Panthers’ depleted backline following the departure of Jamal Idris at the end of last season. One of Hiku’s key attributes is his ability to cover multiple positions, including five-eighth, centre and fullback.
What does this mean for Manly?
The Kiwi international’s immediate departure suggests Manly are looking to sign ex-Souths centre Walker – potentially at a cheaper price than Hiku.
However, if Manly are unable to land Walker, then it is a huge loss for the club, especially on the heels of five-eighth Kieran Foran signing with the Eels during the 2015 campaign.
It’s an enormous gain for the Panthers, but it remains to be seen how it affects the Sea Eagles.
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