Spencer Leniu informs Penrith he will leave club, Roosters set to swoop

While the club is disappointed to lose Leniu, they are privately pleased the junior pathways system at the club is continually producing regular first-graders.

The Panthers have lost several big name premiership-winners over the past two years, including Api Koroisau, Viliame Kikau, Charlie Staines, Matt Burton and Kurt Capewell.

“Spencer has been there (Penrith) pretty much all of his life, playing with Minchinbury Jets all the way through, so he found it really hard to consider moving initially,” Leniu’s manager Joe Nakat said.

“Once salary cap pressures became more obvious, he realised it was going to be hard to stay. The other fact is he wants to play more minutes. He averages under 20 minutes per game and has reached a point in his career where he is ready to compete for a starting prop position.

“It’s hard at a club like Penrith when they have outstanding starting props. It’s a combination of how he’s able to go to the next level. When he’s not a starting prop, Penrith’s ability to pay him market value gets harder.

“Spencer has a very positive view to the club. It was a really positive discussion with Penrith. We tried to make it work but in the end it became obvious that to fulfil his potential he had to move on.”

In the back of the mind of Penrith powerbrokers is the fact the club has plenty of talent coming through the system to replace its departing stars, resulting in Penrith winning the top four grade in 2023 (NRL, NSW Cup, Jersey Flegg and SG Ball).

“The way that Spencer and his management have conducted conversations over the last few months are a credit to them both,” Panthers rugby league CEO Matt Cameron said.

“We didn’t want to lose Spencer, but we’re confident in the rugby league pathways we have at Panthers. It’s disappointing to see local juniors leave the club, but we’re excited to see the next generation come through.

“We’re a development club with a build from within mantra, and the club will continue to produce talented rugby league players. We’re more than confident the club will continue to do so for years to come.”

Leniu has played 61 games in the NRL since making his debut for Penrith, playing in both of the club’s premiership triumphs. He’s also played five Tests for Samoa, including last year’s World Cup final against Australia at Old Trafford in Manchester.

Loading

“Although it’s disappointing to see a Panthers junior sign with another NRL club, we understand Spencer is a premiership winner and international player, who has received external interest,” Cameron said.

“The club respects Spencer’s decision, and understands the situation reflects salary cap pressure based on the club’s recent success. Panthers thanks Spencer for his efforts for the club and is looking forward to seeing him run out for the Panthers for the remainder of the 2023 NRL season.”