This season we saw plenty of big mid season signings like Leeds Rhinos losing Kruise Leeming and Blake Austin, Wigan Warriors signing Tyler Dupree and the arrival of Brad Schneider at Hull KR as they dealt with the injuries to Jordan Abdull and Lachlan Coote and it certainly helped lessen the blow of the two injuries.
Abdull suffered a long term injury whilst Coote, who had announced his retirement at the end of the year, suffered another head knock which led to his immediate retirement and the arrival of Schneider.
But his shock move to Penrith Panthers has been confirmed as part of a double coup.
Paul Alamoti will join the Panthers for the 2024 season, while Schneider has inked a two-year deal with the club.
Alamoti, a 19-year-old outside back, played 19 NRL games for the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs this season after making his first grade debut in Round 1.
The Milperra Colts junior was selected in the Australian Schoolboys merit team in 2019 and represented New South Wales in the Under-19s State of Origin last season.
Schneider will also join the club ahead of the 2024 season after playing for Hull KR this year.
The halfback made his NRL debut for the Canberra Raiders in 2021 and played 12 first grade games before moving to the Super League.
The 22-year-old halfback returns to Australia after playing eight matches abroad.
“On behalf of all at Panthers, we look forward to welcoming Paul and Brad to the club,” Panthers Rugby League CEO Matt Cameron said.
“Paul is a talented young player with ample potential. His experience and capabilities make him a great addition to our squad and we look forward to him joining the club.
“Brad joins the Panthers with NRL and Super League experience and will add depth to the club’s top 30 squad. Brad is a talented playmaker and we believe he will flourish in Panthers colours.”
Schneider will go down as nailing one of the most important drop goals in Hull KR history after he kicked a one pointer in golden point extra time in the Challenge Cup semi-finals to defeat Wigan Warriors and send the club to Wembley where unfortunately he came up short.
However, he can still play a key role in guiding the club to the play-offs.