Experienced prop inks new deal just shy of 200th game for the Manly Sea Eagles.
The Penrith Panthers have continued to be active on the transfer market after announcing they have signed veteran prop Brent Kite to a two-year deal from 2014.
After being one of the lynch-pins in the Sea Eagles pack since 2005 and earning the Clive Churchhill medal in 2008, Kite expressed sadness at leaving the northern beaches.
After the Panthers lost forward leader Luke Lewis to the Cronulla Sharks, the club has been on the lookout for a senior player to take his place.
In Kite they have got that type of player who will bring consistency to their pack as they continue to rebuild under coach Ivan Cleary and Phil Gould.
Kite said his time at Manly would hold a special place in his heart, but said it was time for a fresh challenge at the foot of the mountains.
“Unfortunately, successful teams can never hang on to everyone, but at Manly we’ve managed to do this better than anyone else in recent times,” Kite told News.com.au.
“We don’t have a ‘Big Three’ we have a ‘Big Team’ and I’m proud to be part of all the success we’ve had.
“We have so many guys who have shown true loyalty to their mates, and I’ll miss them all.”
Kite has played 260 games in first grade, with his career starting with St George Illawarra before moving to Manly.
Along the way he has also secured 14 caps for Australia, 10 for New South Wales and had two appearances for Country Origin.
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