Panthers re-sign Waqa Blake until 2019

Nov 14, 2016 - 4:09 AM Penrith continue to commit long-term salary cap money after announcing the re-signing of centre Waqa Blake until the end of the 2019 NRL season.

Blake's extension is a key boost for a Panthers backline that is expected to be without Kangaroos star Josh Mansour following an ACL injury on Four Nations tour a fortnight ago.

He becomes the 16th current player to be given a new deal by Panthers boss Phil Gould this year, not including five new squad members added to their 2017 roster.

""Waqa's story is a great one," Gould said on Monday.

"He came through our education and welfare house parenting program as a teenager and was a member of our premiership-winning NYC side in 2013.

"He has progressed through the grades, improving every season, and is now a valuable member of our NRL team.

"Waqa's best football is still ahead of him. He is an outstanding athlete and I believe he is a high level representative player of the future."

Blake, 22, is now the 12th player under contract until 2019, including boom halfback Nathan Cleary, and forwards James Fisher-Harris, Tyrone Peachey and Isaah Yeo.

Teammates Leilani Latu, Trent Merrin and Tamou are signed to 2020, while stars Bryce Cartwright and Matt Moylan have mammoth deals until 2021.

No other club has shelled out more money beyond 2018, although first-team regulars Dean Whare and Dallin Watene-Zelezniak remain the only players without a deal after next season.

Penrith's top 25 squad, including new recruits James Tamou, Mitch Rein and Michael Oldfield and minus their Four Nations representatives, begain pre-season training on Monday.

Source: AAP