Wests Tigers have added to their fullback stocks, signing one of the brightest young players in rugby league and a member of the 2024 Australian Schoolboys team.
After this publication revealed earlier in the week that the Penrith Panthers had released Jack Attard, sources have told Zero Tackle that the youngster has become the latest former Panther to sign with the Wests Tigers, following in the footsteps of Apisai Koroisau, Jarome Luai, Sunia Turuva and Taylan May.
Inking a three-year contract with the club until the end of 2028, the St Dominic’s College product will be on a train-and-trial deal for the 2026 season before moving to the club’s development list in 2027 and the club’s Top 30 roster in the final year of his contract.
“Very excited to be joining the Wests Tigers and ripping in with the boys to kick off pre-season,” Attard said.
“After speaking with Benji and seeing what’s been happening around the club, I’m looking forward to what’s ahead and being part of this group.
“There’s a lot of great players and coaches here at the Tigers and I’m keen to learn as much as I can and continue to improve my game.”
His arrival will see him learn from Jahream Bula as he continues to develop as a player and will contend with Heath Mason and Tino Tavana as the Fijian international’s back-up for next year’s campaign.
Granted the opportunity to train with the Panthers’ first-grade squad earlier in the year on a four-week block, Attard has been a standout performer in the lower grades and was set to play in the NRL Pre-Season Challenge in 2025 before being ruled out with a back injury.
In his only two NSW Cup matches this year, the youngster scored two tries and averaged 123 running metres per match, showing plenty of promise on the field in the fullback role.
“A great young kid who we’re really happy to have joining us this year,” coach Benji Marshall added.
“Jack will be a great fit for our group. He’s got a lot of talent but also a really good young character who wants to develop and grow as player.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming Jack and his family into the club and getting started with pre-season.”
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