Penrith Panthers is delighted to announce Lindsay Smith has signed a two-year contract extension with the club.
The new deal will see the 20-year-old forward join the club’s top 30 squad for the 2021 and 2022 seasons.
"This is a huge moment for me and I feel extremely privileged to have the chance to commit my future to Panthers,” Smith said.
“This club has been a big part of my life growing up. I’m so grateful for all the years I’ve been here.
"It’s my dream to play in the NRL and this new deal is just another small step towards that ultimate goal.”
A local St Marys junior, Smith first entered the Panthers development pathways at the age of 14 via the club’s Junior Elite Training Scheme (JETS).
His representative honours include a man-of-the-match performance for the U16s NSW Origin team in 2016 and selection in the 2017 Australian Schoolboys side alongside Panthers teammates Spencer Leniu and Shawn Blore.
A double shoulder reconstruction sidelined Smith in 2018 before he returned to play 19 games for the Panthers Jersey Flegg side last season.
"We’re delighted for a local junior like Lindsay to join the club’s full-time NRL squad next year," Panthers General Manager Rugby League Matt Cameron said.
"He’s impressed at every level during his seven years in the Panthers system and his journey truly highlights the quality of our development programs.
“On and off the field, Lindsay reflects the core values that we strive to instil in the young men and women at our club.”
Smith has been named in the Panthers Canterbury Cup side to face North Sydney Bears at Panthers Stadium on Saturday.
