Penrith Panthers sign PNG rising star

21 year old Wellington Albert from Mendi, in the Southern Highlands Province has signed a two year contract with Penrith Panthers.

Albert made his way through the School Boy’s Rugby League program to join the Lae Snacks Cracker Tigers, before making it to Team Kumul.

Albert is due to leave for Australia in early January next year.

PNGRFL Interim CEO, Brad Tassell, announced today that Albert has agreed to the contract with the Penrith Panthers commencing in 2014. Albert will be released immediately from his PNG Queensland Cup contract to take up the Penrith offer and will start training with Penrith in early January.

The contract will see Albert start with the Penrith U20 squad in 2014 with a guaranteed top 25 first grade player contract in 2015. Tassell said after weighing interest from other NRL clubs. Player Agent, Steve Deacon, and Albert felt the Panther’s offer was the best balance for Albert’s welfare on and off the field.

Sandis Tsaka, Deputy Chairman of the PNGRFL, also said Albert had a very good group of experienced people around him to ensure he is successful and to guide him right through his Career.

Wellington has received great support every step of the way from his friend and family, from the NRL Penrith Group and from PNGRFL.