Penrith believe they’ve locked in one of the best centres in the NRL, with New Zealand international Dean Whare agreeing on Friday to a three-year contract extension with the Panthers.

Whare joined Penrith from Manly at the start of this year and will remain with the club until the end of the 2017 season after exceeding expectations.

The 23-year-old starred for the Kiwis at the World Cup, producing arguably the moment of the tournament in the semi-finals when he left the field of play to miraculously flick a ball back for teammate Roger Tuivasa-Sheck to score against England.

Whare is a strong defensive centre who has blossomed under coach Ivan Cleary.

“Dean Whare was one of the real success stories at Panthers in season 2013. He came to the club for an opportunity to play regular first grade and has now established himself as a representative centre of the highest order,” said club boss Phil Gould.

“I have no doubt Dean’s best football is still in front of him and we feel very lucky to have him at Panthers for the next four seasons. Dean thoroughly deserves this new deal.”

Coach Cleary said Whare had improved beyond even the club’s estimations.

“In 12 months, Dean has not only cemented an NRL spot, but he’s also excelled at an international level for the Kiwis,” he said.

“He will continue to improve at the Panthers. Dean will become a mainstay in our backline over the next four years, while we continue to develop exciting youngsters such as Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, George Jennings and James Roberts.”

Whare, born in Rotorua, spent his junior years with St George Illawarra, before joining Manly in 2010, primarily filling in for Brett Stewart at fullback.

However, Whare said he considered Penrith home.

“I want to thank Gus and the Panthers club for giving me the opportunity to extend my contract,” he said.

“I have so much respect for Ivan and I’ve learnt so much under his guidance.”