Another Wests Tigers outside back set to depart for rival

Departures at the Wests Tigers are expected to continue as they rebuild their roster under CEO Shane Richardson and head coach Benji Marshall. Following reports of Navren Willett’s move to the Manly Sea Eagles, another outside back is also likely to leave and join a rival club.

Peter Lang of The Western Weekender reports that centre Will Craig is close to signing with the Penrith Panthers for the upcoming season.

Craig, a member of the 2022 Western Suburbs Magpies team that won the Harold Matthews Cup, is currently under a multi-year contract with the Tigers.

He has progressed through the pathways system alongside players like Jordan Miller, Lachlan Galvin, Heath Mason, Luke Laulilii, and Tallyn Da Silva.

At 18, Craig has spent this season in the Jersey Flegg Cup as he works towards his NRL debut. His potential move to the Panthers will bolster their outside back depth, especially after the departures of Taylan May and Sunia Turuva.

The Panthers have also signed Blaize Talagi from the Parramatta Eels to fill the five-eighth spot left by Jarome Luai.

Former Wests Tiger Daine Laurie is anticipated to shift to the wing, despite his previous roles in the halves or at fullback. “I’m playing on the wing this weekend, so I’m just ready to do my job,” Laurie said at a Monday press conference.

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