NRL transfer news: Panthers gun Zane Tetevano a target of Leeds Rhinos
Penrith’s rivals continue to target the Panthers’ talented roster with no signs of the free agency assault easing. See who’s going, going, gone.
Dean Ritchie
December 14, 2020 - 4:50PM
News Corp Australia Sports Newsroom
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James Tamou (left) is gone, and Zane Tetevano (right) could follow his former Panthers captain out the door at Penrith. Picture: Jonathan Ng
James Tamou (left) is gone, and Zane Tetevano (right) could follow his former Panthers captain out the door at Penrith. Picture: Jonathan Ng
Penrith could lose a third grand final star with forward Zane Tetevano being targeted by English Super League giants Leeds.
Well-placed UK sources have told The Daily Telegraph the Rhinos are preparing a three-year offer for Tetevano worth $1.5m.
It will become the big payday Tetevano has sought for the past decade.
The Leeds deal is around $150,000 more each season than Tetevano’s current contract at the Panthers. It is the equivalent to marquee player money for England.
Front-rower Tetevano, who came off the bench in this year’s 26-20 grand final loss to Melbourne, still has another season remaining at Penrith. But, there would be a push – should he agree to the deal – to join Leeds immediately.
The Panthers have lost grand final prop James Tamou to Wests Tigers while winger Josh Mansour, while still having a year left at Penrith, has been told to look elsewhere.
Matt Burton and Daine Laurie will leave Penrith for Canterbury and Wests respectively after next season while the club is desperately attempting to retain young star Stephen Crichton, off contract after 2021.
At age 30, Tetevano feels the Leeds offer could be his final chance to secure a contract worth around $500,000 a season.
Penrith officials have been told of Leeds’ interest.
Tetevano had a strong 2020 season, playing 19 games, 17 off the bench, averaging 96 run metres a game and 15 tackles. He averaged 31 minutes a game.
The key issue now is whether Penrith release Tetevano a year early, given the club has already lost one prop in Tamou.
James Tamou, Nathan Cleary, Viliame Kikau and Zane Tetevano console one another after their grand final defeat to Melbourne in October. Picture: Jonathan Ng
James Tamou, Nathan Cleary, Viliame Kikau and Zane Tetevano console one another after their grand final defeat to Melbourne in October. Picture: Jonathan Ng
Penrith is negotiating a contract extension with another prop, Spencer Leniu, whose deal expires after next season. If the club can retain Leniu they may consider an early exit for Tetevano.
Should Leniu switch clubs, he is being courted by Canterbury, then Penrith may tell Tetevano he must honour his deal in 2021.
Panthers coach Ivan Cleary is wary of allowing another prop to leave given Tamou has already departed.
The Daily Telegraph contacted Penrith officials seeking clarification on the club’s position with Tetevano, with general manager of rugby league, Matt Cameron, replying: “Not sure it’s appropriate to comment on it at this point in time. Thanks for your interest.”
English clubs are short on front-rowers and may target more big in coming months.
Attracting NRL players to Super League has been difficult though due to a reluctance to travel to England through COVID.
Penrith coach Ivan Cleary with his wife Bec at Ballina Airport following a post-season holiday in Byron Bay. Picture: Nathan Edwards
Penrith coach Ivan Cleary with his wife Bec at Ballina Airport following a post-season holiday in Byron Bay. Picture: Nathan Edwards
Tetevano is a former Newcastle and Sydney Roosters forward who was part of the Roosters’ 2018 grand final-winning side.
He was originally named in the Roosters’ 2019 grand final team but was overlooked late due to the return from injury of Jake Friend. Following that match, Rooster coach Trent Robinson gave his grand final ring to Tetevano.
Leeds, coached by Richard Agar, ran fifth this year in Super League.
