Penrith have re-signed back-rower James Fisher-Harris until the end of the 2022 NRL season in a move which will keep him out of the hands of rivals clubs.
The New Zealand Test representative on Friday inked a contract extension to stay in Sydney's west for a further three years.
He was set to come off contract at the end of 2019, meaning opposition clubs could already freely negotiate with him.
But the Panthers moved quickly to lock him down, with the 22-year-old set to play a featured role in the Penrith pack next year.
Following the off-season departures of Trent Merrin and Corey Harawira-Naera, the Panthers' forward depth looks set to be tested during Ivan Cleary's second coming as Penrith coach.
"I'm really excited and grateful for the club to give me this opportunity," Fisher-Harris said.
"It's surreal when I think about where I've come from and where I am today.
"Penrith has become my second home. My family loves living here and all my mates are here too.
"It's crazy how much talent we have at the club. I think the sky's the limit in terms of what we can achieve together."
After moving to Australia from his native New Zealand in 2013 to join the Panthers development system, Fisher-Harris has come along in leaps and bounds.
He made 749 tackles this year, more than any other Panthers player.
He made his Test debut just seven months after his maiden first-grade game in 2016 and looks set to be a regular in the Kiwis side for years to come.
"James has come through the Panthers development system to now be an integral part of our NRL team," Panthers supremo Phil Gould said.
"Already a current Kiwi international, James still has the best part of his football career well ahead of him."
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