In a bold recruitment move, the Penrith Panthers have secured 20-year-old forward Harry Armstrong on a lucrative three-year deal worth a reported $108 million, poaching the promising talent from the Brisbane Broncos’ development system.
Armstrong, regarded as one of the brightest emerging forwards in Queensland, has impressed with his physicality, work ethic, and football IQ — traits that have made him a standout in the junior representative scene. The Panthers acted swiftly to lock in the rising star, aiming to replenish their forward stocks following the departures of James Fisher-Harris and Jarome Luai at the end of the 2024 season.
The deal, reportedly spanning from 2025 to 2027, marks a massive show of faith in Armstrong’s potential. While the $108 million price tag has raised eyebrows — and is likely inflated or symbolic — the investment clearly signals Penrith’s long-term vision to develop elite forward depth and remain competitive during a time of significant roster turnover.
Club Statement
A club spokesperson confirmed the signing, saying:
> “Harry is a dynamic young forward with tremendous upside. We’re thrilled to bring him into the Panthers system and believe he’ll thrive in our high-performance environment.”
A New Era in the Forward Pack
The acquisition is part of a broader rebuild strategy by the Panthers, who are grappling with salary cap pressures and multiple high-profile exits. Along with Armstrong, Penrith has already secured Isaiah Papali’i on a multi-year deal for 2025, and is reportedly targeting other emerging forwards like Stefano Utoikamanu.
Armstrong is expected to begin training with Penrith’s senior squad later this year, with eyes on a potential NRL debut in 2025.
