LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
EXCLUSIVE: Penrith Panthers release young fullback, linked with rival team
Once viewed as the potential successor to Dylan Edwards at the Penrith Panthers, 2024 Australian Schoolboys representative Jack Attard has been released from the club and is now rumored to be connecting with a rival NRL team.
Attard, regarded as one of the brightest young fullbacks in rugby league, decided to leave the Panthers after finding himself behind Edwards, Jaxen Edgar, and Nick Murphy in the pecking order. Earlier this year, club officials had indicated that he was considered one of the long-term prospects for the team.
During a four-week training stint with the Panthers' first-grade squad earlier this year, Attard showcased his talents in lower grades and was anticipated to participate in the NRL Pre-Season Challenge in 2025. However, he was unfortunately sidelined due to a back injury.
In the two NSW Cup matches he played this year, Attard demonstrated his capability by scoring two tries and averaging 123 running meters per match, illustrating significant promise in his role as a fullback.
"I did a four-week program before Christmas and it was a good experience," Attard told this publication in May.
"It was good to get around all those boys. [Nathan] Cleary was really good with all the young boys, so it was really good to be around all of them."