Penrith Panthers

Hardaker joins the NRL as one of the most decorated players in the UK having been named Man of Steel in 2015 after leading Leeds to success in the Challenge Cup as well as the First Utility Super League Grand Final. 

Before he had even signed with the Panthers, current English players in the NRL described the 24-year-old as a great talent who would be well suited to the Australian style of play. 

The 24-year-old, who will begin training with the Panthers next week, played 154 games for Leeds after making his debut for the Super League club in 2011.

In 2015 Hardaker was named Man of Steel after helping Leeds win the Challenge Cup, League Leaders Shield and First Utility Super League Grand Final.

"This is truly exciting for the Panthers to have a current English international joining the club for the remainder of the 2016 season," Panthers Executive General Manager Phil Gould AM said.

The Titans were never once in the lead until Don's try which secured his side a second-consecutive win. 

It was a lesson of persistence for the Gold Coast who were forced to equal the ledger four times throughout the game.

All looked lost for them too when Penrith's Leilani Latu scored his first ever NRL try in the 71st minute. However an ugly error from Panthers skipper Matt Moylan under the high ball provided the Titans excellent territory for an Ashley Taylor try four minutes later.

Liu was hit with a grade two charge of making dangerous contact with the head/neck of Lelani Latu, and will miss one match with an early guilty plea or risks a two-game ban if he challenges the charge at the judiciary and loses.

McKendry faces a week out whether or not he takes an early guilty plea for making contact with referee Jared Maxwell late in the contest.

Playing 60 minutes in the Pepper Stadium heat Martin had a hand in two tries and scored one himself just before half-time to cut back the Bulldogs' then 14-0 lead.

Coming up against experience campaigners such as Josh Jackson and Sam Kasiano, Martin thwarted the Bulldogs defence in the 38th minute, racing 40 metres down field to score and ensure Penrith entered the sheds only two points down.

It was a lead Martin would directly reverse two minutes into the second half when he sent Chris Smith over for one of the easiest tries he's ever likely to score.

The new deal will see the 21-year-old remain with the Panthers until at least the end of the 2019 season.

"Penrith has been my home since I was 17 so to be able to continue to represent the club is something I’m very proud of," Yeo said.

"I'd like to thank Anthony Griffin and Phil Gould for showing faith in me and allowing me to sign a new deal before the season has kicked off.

Panther Jamie Soward branded the facility as world class, even better than most rugby league playing grounds in Australia.

Soward kicked two conversions to help his team to victory against SP PNG Hunters 20-12 in the trial match at NFS on Saturday.

He said his team was honored and had a fantastic experience opening the stadium.

“The new stadium looks great and it is true that the facilities meet the standard of NRL stadiums and even better than some of the rugby league grounds in Australia.

The 24 players and their officials arrived at 12 noon to check in at the Jackson’s International Airport today and were farewelled by a small group of fans waiting outside the terminal.

The players looked relaxed and were all smiles as they stopped to take pictures with fans and waved as they entered the departure room.

They said despite the hot weather, they really had a great time during their three day stay.

Panthers defeated Hunters 20-12 during the trial match at the National Football Stadium.

Marum expressed disappointment and said simple errors like ball handling and missed passes caused Hunters the game.

He said the team must work on these errors and improve before the start of the 2016 Intrust Cup season next month.

Marum said despite the loss, it was a good experience for the young players to taste international level of play.

Panthers coach Steve Georgallis was pleased with the overall performance for both teams as it was a good quality match and a great game for PNG and rugby league in the country.

The home team lost to New South Wales Cup team Penrith Panthers 20-12 in front of a bumper crowd of over 15 000 people.

 Following the official opening of the NFS by Prime Minister Peter O'Neill, Panthers opened the score board with the first try through Leilani Latu 15 minutes into the game.

A successful conversion took them to lead 6-0.

Hunters fought back to score their first try through Adex Wera five minutes to half time followed by an unsuccessful conversion 6-4.

Panthers extended the lead through a try seconds to half time from Josh Hall.