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Penrith keen to keep sprinting Staines

3 minute read

Penrith want to prove to teenage try-scoring sensation Charlie Staines that they will be able to best manage his career if he rejects interest from NRL rivals.

Penrith will fight to keep Charlie Staines with Ivan Cleary intent on proving the foot of the mountains is the best place for the teenage try-scoring sensation.

The Panthers have reluctantly given Staines permission to test the open market after offering the 19-year-old a three-year deal.

The Forbes junior earlier this season became the first player in 83 years to score six tries in his first two NRL games, at the rapid rate of one every 17 minutes.

But Cleary insists the best place for his career is at Penrith and wants to keep him there well beyond next year when his contract expires.

"We don't want him to test the market, but the reality of life is that is how the system works," Cleary said.

"We put forward what we think is a really good offer and we feel we can offer Charlie the opportunity to fulfil his potential at the right time.

"To be able to grow at his own pace.

"His best opportunity is at this club with a lot of his friends and teammates that he has become accustomed to over the past few years.

"And Charlie is happy here too."

Staines won't face Cronulla on Friday night - out with a hamstring injury - after scoring four tries against them on debut last month.

Whether he can regain his place when he is fit again is another question, with Brian To'o and Josh Mansour playing as Penrith's first-choice fit wingers this year.

Cleary said Penrith's decision to let the flyer see what other clubs would be willing to offer was in the hope of expediting the process and having him re-signed quicker.

"It's not just the money," Cleary said.

"It's about what we feel like we can provide for him to reach his potential at the right speed.

"He has only had a couple of goes of first grade and done a good job. His body is still getting used to the whole thing."

Staines is one of 11 young guns to be off contract at the club in the next two years, after the Panthers locked up Liam Martin until the end of 2023 earlier this week.

Their run to the top of the ladder has been dominated by rookies and players performing above their value, threatening to soon cause roster headaches.

"We've got a bit of a fight on our hands to keep some of these guys, so Marto locked away is a big kudos to the club," Cleary said.

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