LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
The Penrith Panthers have long faced challenges from rival NRL clubs taking players from their junior ranks. This situation prompted Ivan Cleary to suggest that the NRL should compensate the Panthers for cultivating significant young talent that ultimately ends up with other teams.
Recently, however, the four-time premiers have been turning the tide, successfully acquiring several promising youngsters from competing clubs. Following recent signings like Keahn Skipps from the Raiders and Haami Loza from the Knights, the Panthers have also secured a rising star from the Wests Tigers' academy.
This week, teenager Thomas Goodfield confirmed his move to the Panthers, marking a significant recruitment win for the reigning champions. Goodfield has been competing for the Western Suburbs Magpies in the Harold Matthews Cup (Under-17s) and is set to join the Panthers for next year's Under-19s SG Ball Cup.
Naturally agile, Goodfield plays either as a winger or in the centers, earning recognition as one of the most promising talents within the Tigers' development system. His decision to join the Panthers is a considerable setback for Tigers coach Benji Marshall and the organization.
"My dad, who was a diehard Parra fan, got me into playing footy, and it'd be mad and good for my family (to one day play in the NRL)," Goodfield told Zero Tackle earlier this year.
"I've played this sport all the way up through the grades, but I'd just be over the moon about it if it does happen in the future. It would be so good (to play in the NRL)."
The addition of Goodfield is part of the Panthers' ongoing recruitment strategy, which also includes newly signed singles Skipps and Loza, both highly regarded halves who will benefit from training alongside Nathan Cleary in Penrith's system.
While the Panthers initially thought they had successfully signed young back-rower Kayliss Fatialofa from the Warriors, he ultimately decided to remain in New Zealand, backtracking during the cooling-off period. Reports suggest that the 20-year-old had verbally agreed to join Penrith before having a change of heart.