Knights signal Ponga’s alternative at fullback; Eels younger gun pens extension: Transfer Centre

The Knights have changed Kalyn Ponga at fullback by signing Sharks utility Lachlan Miller on a three-year deal efficient instantly.

The former rugby sevens star and Olympian made his NRL debut final yr and scored three tries in seven appearances for Cronulla at fullback, wing and utility off the bench.

Ponga has moved into the halves for the 2023 season and Miller is anticipated to win the battle for the No. 1 jersey.

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“This signing provides us with more options in our backline, Newcastle director of football Peter Parr said.

“We have signed Lachlan predominantly to play fullback, we also believe he has the versatility to play multiple positions.

“He is a gifted athlete, with great speed and a player who will add excellent value to our squad.”

Miller scored 17 tries in 50 matches enjoying sevens for Australia on the world circuit, culminating in Olympic for the Tokyo Games.

In late 2021, he was signed by the Sharks after incomes excessive reward for his performances for the Newtown Jets within the NSW Cup.

Miller starred in his NRL debut, scoring a 70-metre strive, making 10 sort out busts and working for over 200 metres at fullback in opposition to the Titans in May final yr.

The 28-year-old scored a strive for the Sharks of their final-round win over the Knights and in the end took out the Steve Rogers Award for the Sharks Rookie of the Year.

EELS YOUNG GUN RE-SIGNS

Parramatta flyer Will Penisini has signed a two-year extension that may hold him on the membership till the tip of 2025.

Penisini, 20, performed each sport in 2022, together with the grand ultimate, earlier than representing Tonga on the World Cup.

“The Eels jersey means a lot to me, I grew up in the system and to be playing alongside my mates for the club I’ve loved my whole life is surreal,” Penisini mentioned.

“Brad and the coaching staff have helped me come through the junior pathways since I was 14, I’m grateful for all the opportunities and the support I’ve had at the club.

“We finished the 2022 season strongly and I think we’ve laid a good platform to really challenge in the coming years.”

Eels soccer supervisor Mark O’Neill added: “It’s great to see another local junior commit his future to the Eels. Will is humble and hard working, and he displays the leadership skills that we’re looking for at our club.

“His selection in the Tongan squad for the World Cup is was a great reward for his outstanding performances during the season, there’s no doubt he has a bright future ahead of him at the Eels.”

BULLDOGS PINCH YOUNGSTER

The Bulldogs have made one other transfer to construct in the direction of the long run, signing Karl Oloapu after the promising Brisbane Broncos junior was granted an early launch from his contract.

The Bulldogs introduced on Friday that Oloapu can be becoming a member of the membership for the following 4 seasons, efficient instantly, with the teenager to relocate from Brisbane “shortly”.

The Courier Mail reported the Bulldogs needed to pay a $500,000 switch free to safe Oloapu’s providers.

The Dolphins had been within the younger five-eighth, though Bulldogs supremo Phil Gould reportedly met with the 18-year-old earlier than he determined to make the transfer to Belmore.

The Broncos additionally confirmed Oloapu’s early exit on Friday, with CEO Dave Donaghy wishing the 18-year-old the perfect at his new membership.

“Whilst this was a unique situation, we are comfortable with the position we have reached with the Bulldogs and as a result, we have granted Karl an early release,” he mentioned.