2024 NRL Signings Tracker: Kenny extends; Timoko signs new deal

Two-time premiership-winning hooker Mitch Kenny has agreed to a new three-year deal which will see him remain at the Panthers until at least the end of the 2027 season.

A local junior who progressed through the club’s pathways system, Kenny has played 86 top-flight games for the Panthers since making his debut in 2019 and played a big role in their 2022 and 2023 grand final wins.

“I’m thrilled to commit to the Panthers because this place is home to me,” Kenny said.

“Ivan Cleary and everyone at the club have supported me from the beginning, and I’m excited to repay the faith to them.

“It’s great to have the opportunity to continue wearing the Panthers jersey and representing our community for another three seasons.”

Kiwi international Matt Timoko has re-signed with the Raiders until at least the end of 2026 with an option for two more seasons.

The 24-year-old has enjoyed a rapid rise since coming into first grade with 20 tries in his 64 appearances to date, as well as a recent debut for New Zealand during their successful 2023 Pacific Championships campaign.

“This club has done a lot,” he said. “The big thing I can see with this club is there is a clear pathway of where they want to get to and there’s a lot of emerging talent.

“I believe that this club can do a lot of special things over the next couple of years, so I’m happy to be on board, be along with the journey and help some of the younger guys coming through too.”

The Dragons have confirmed that centre Zac Lomax will not stay with the Red V beyond the 2024 season, after reaching an agreement for his departure from the club at the end of the year.

While Lomax will fulfil his contractual obligations with the Dragons for the 2024 season, his contracted years for 2025 and 2026 will be terminated with no financial contribution to be made by the club in these years.

Having initially stated their intent to explore a potential swap for a player of “considerable standing”, coach Shane Flanagan told reporters that a move would be highly unlikely with the outside back likely to see out the rest of the year.

The Dragons, meanwhile, have also announced the extension of prop Francis Molo for a further two seasons, keeping the 29-year-old in the Red V until at least the end of the 2026 season.

The Cowboys have extended forward Sam McIntyre on a new two-year deal which will see him remain at the club until the end of the 2026 season.

Arriving in North Queensland mid-way through the 2023 season after stints at the Wests Tigers Titans, the 26-year-old has earned a place in Todd Payten’s first-choice 17 after an impressive pre-season.

The Dolphins, meanwhile, have re-signed young gun playmaker Isaiya Katoa with a three-year contract extension securing the Tongan international until at least the end of 2028.

After joining the Dolphins from the Panthers’ junior system, the 20-year-old half played 22 NRL matches for the NRL’s newest franchise in his debut season last year before representing Tonga in their Test series against England.

The Panthers have extended Taylan May on a new two-year extension which will see the star outside back remain at the club until the end of 2026.

Returning to the NRL this year after suffering an ACL injury in the 2023 pre-season, the 22-year-old has starred in the centres, averaging 125 run metres and breaking 11 tackles in the Panthers’ opening three games.

Since making his debut for the Panthers in 2021, the Panthers junior has scored 16 tries in 25 top-flight games and appeared in five Test matches for Samoa.

The news comes after the club also extended two-time premiership winner centre Izack Tago on a new three-year deal which will see the fellow centre remain at Penrith until the end of the 2028 season.

Warriors playmaker Luke Metcalf has agreed a two-year contract extension that will keep him at the club until the end of the 2026 season.

The 25-year-old joined the Warriors from the Sharks in 2023 and has chalked up 21 games for the club, including a starting role at five-eighth in the Warriors first two games for the season.

The Warriors also extended 23-year-old hooker Freddy Lussick on a two-year deal which will also see him remain a Warrior until the end of 2026.