Andrew Johns says the NRL needs to work out a way to reward clubs who lose locally grown players.
The Panthers this week announced prop James Fisher-Harris will join the Warriors from next year, further depleting the NRL juggernaut’s playing stocks.
Since 2020, Penrith has lost the likes of Matt Burton, Kurt Capewell, Api Koroisau, Viliame Kikau, Sean O’Sullivan, J’maine Hopgood, Charlie Staines, Stephen Crichton, Jack Cogger, Spencer Leniu, Zac Hosking, Jaeman Salmon, Reagan Campbell-Gillard, Wayde Egan, Sione Katoa and James Maloney – to name a few.
Johns said the Penrith club had every right to feel frustrated.
“We talk about their most high profile players Kikau, Leniu, Crighton these sort of players. Have a look at the fringe players,” said Johns.
“Wayne Egan was there years ago. J’Maine Hopgood, who’s killing it at Parramatta he was there.
“Tom Jenkins was there, now at Newcastle. They’re not only losing their high end players but losing their depth. It’s just not fair simple as that.
“There’s is no reward for producing your own players. I think there should be some dispensation if they are local juniors. Crighton, Kikau Fisher Harris, have all been there since their juniors.
“I really feel for Penrith. If you look at their team that won the comp three years ago, if they kept that team, you’re talking about luck with injury, they could have won six in a row.
“There are arguments for and against but you shouldn’t be punished for identifying their special juniors, putting work into them and getting them to that level.”
