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Penrith have fought off interest from Canterbury and Wests Tigers to hold onto rookie winger Charlie Staines.
Penrith have fended off Canterbury and Wests Tigers to hold on to young try-scoring sensation Charlie Staines for another three seasons.
Staines on Wednesday confirmed he would remain at the Panthers until the end of 2023, just months after the club reluctantly gave him permission to look elsewhere.
The 20-year-old speedster made history this season when he became the first player in 83 years to score seven tries in his first two NRL games.
The Forbes junior has since been sidelined with a hamstring injury, but courted plenty of interest from rivals including a big-money offer from the Bulldogs that threatened to blow Penrith out of the water.
But in the end it's understood Staines put his loyalty to the Panthers system above money, with coach Ivan Cleary insistent it would be better for him in the long-term.
"Panthers has done so much for me and my family so it feels good to repay that faith they've shown in me," Staines said.
"I took my time to consider all options but at the end of the day my heart is here in Penrith and I'm very happy to re-sign.
"There's such a special bond that all the players and staff have here. It feels like a big family.
"Wherever I can fit into this team moving forward, I'll play, because I just want to be a part of it."
Staines is hopeful of being fit again for week three of the finals, but would struggle to force his way into the side given their form.
However, he is another key piece of the puzzle filled.
Penrith have 15 members of their top 30 coming off contract in the next two seasons, and face the challenge of trying to squeeze all of their junior talent under the cap.
"Given the significant interest from other parties in the NRL, we're excited that Charlie has decided to commit to our club for the next three years," Penrith general manager Matt Cameron said.
"Our consistent message throughout the process has been that we feel the Panthers environment will allow Charlie to continue to grow into the player and the person that we know he can be."
