The Penrith Panthers have continued their talent recruitment drive, signing rising outside back Thomas Goodfield from the Wests Tigers pathways system as they aim to maintain their status as perennial premiership contenders.
A standout over the past two seasons in the Under-17s Harold Matthews Cup with the Western Suburbs Magpies, Goodfield will step up to join the four-time premiers’ Under-19s SG Ball Cup side in 2026.
Versatile enough to play on either the wing or in the centres, he has been regarded as one of the most promising outside backs in the Tigers’ development system, making an immediate impact after joining the club in 2024.
The Camden Rams junior has already earned representative honours, having been named in last year’s Under-16s NSW City team.
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His move to Penrith represents a major step forward as he continues his development and pursues a potential NRL career.
“My dad, who was a die-hard Parra fan, got me into playing footy, and it'd be mad and good for my family to one day play in the NRL,” Goodfield told Zero Tackle earlier this year.
“I've played this sport all the way up through the grades, but I'd just be over the moon about it if it does happen in the future. It would be so good to play in the NRL.”
Goodfield’s signing continues a trend of promising young players leaving their junior clubs to join the premiers.
According to The Daily Telegraph, the Panthers have also secured rising Canberra Raiders halfback Keahn Skipps, who sought a release from the nation’s capital due to homesickness.