Wes Naiqama signs with Panthers

Penrith added to their backline depth for next season by signing Newcastle winger Wes Naiqama to a two-year NRL deal on Friday.

With injured utility Michael Gordon on his way to Cronulla in 2013 and winger Sandor Earl making a mid-season move to Canberra, the Panthers were in the market for more outside backs.

Fiji captain Naiqama will play out the rest of the season with the Knights, with coach Wayne Bennett happy to release the 29-year-old despite him re-signing with the club in 2011 for three more years.

The recruitment comes just four days after Panthers general manager Phil Gould announced Penrith stalwart Luke Lewis had been granted a release from his contract two years early after 17 years with the club.

Naiqama is the fourth signing the Panthers have made in the past two months after Melbourne forward Sika Manu, Manly flyer Dean Whare and North Queensland hooker James Segeyaro revealed they’ll be joining the Ivan Cleary-coached side in 2013.

“Wes is a quality player with a wealth of experience. We’re excited to see what he’ll bring to our club,” said Panthers general manager Phil Moss.

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