There was plenty of mid season recruiting in Super League this season with Tyler Dupree heading to Wigan Warriors, Blake Austin making the shock decision to leave Leeds Rhinos just two of a handful of major moves.
One move that happened slightly earlier and with less initial hype was when Hull KR confirmed the arrival of young half-back Brad Schneider from Canberra Raiders in the NRL.
Little was known about the scrum cap wearing half but he’s since become a Rovers cult hero and a man that has caught the attention of all in Super League following his impressive performances.
After head coach Willie Peters confirmed that Schneider wouldn’t b staying at Craven Park for 2024 there has been speculation as to where Schneider would land and that picture is now becoming clearer.
Schneider is deep in contract talks with reigning back-to-back NRL champions Penrith Panthers according to The Daily Telegraph down under.
They report that the 22 year old will join the Panthers and serve as the back up behind stars Nathan Cleary and Jarome Luai, a role currently occupied by former Huddersfield Giants man Jack Cogger.
Cogger starred this past weekend for the Panthers as they secured the Minor Premiership, the NRL’s equivalent to the League Leaders Shield, and he’s set to play again due to Luai’s injury.
That’s the role Schneider will take on for 2024 should he sign with Cogger set to head to Newcastle Knights to potentially partner Jackson Hastings.
Regarding Schneider joining for 2024, Panthers chief executive Matt Cameron provided as positive update.
“All things are tracking well, we’re happy, he’s happy so it’s just a matter of getting some paperwork and correspondence sorted out and go from there.
“We offered Jack a contract but he has taken an opportunity at Newcastle and we congratulate him so Brad would basically be his replacement; the Sean O’Sullivan-Jack Cogger replacement.
“We’ve got a pretty good track record in taking those players and helping them improve.”
Schneider had arrived at Hull KR amidst a crisis in the Robins’ spine with Jordan Abdull out and Mikey Lewis suffering from a failed HIA.
He joined from the Raiders on a deal until the end olf the season but with the provision that should the Raiders suffer any long term injuries in the halves, Schneider was to return immediately.
Thankfully for both sides that wasn’t the case and since Schneider has shone for Rovers, kicking winning drop goals in his first two games, whilst also picking up a Super League player of the month award.
