He enjoyed a stellar season with the Penrith Panthers at club level and a great World Cup for the Kiwis and as a result, Dean Whare has been rewarded for that good form in 2013, signing a new deal with the Panthers until the end of 2017.
Whare, who is seen as a utility back, has excelled at centre in season 2013, with Penrith’s Executive General Manager of Football Gus Gould, believing that Whare has cemented his spot as an elite NRL centre.
“Dean Whare was one of the real success stories at Panthers in season 2013,” said Gould.
“He came to the club for an opportunity to play regular first grade and has now established himself as a representative centre of the highest order.”
“I have no doubt Dean’s best football is still in front of him and we feel very lucky to have him at Panthers for the next four seasons. Dean thoroughly deserves this new dealâ€.
Someone else who has been impressed by Whare is Panthers coach Ivan Cleary, who knows that along with other back-line players, Whare will form a part of the nucleus moving forward.
“In 12 months Dean has not only cemented an NRL spot, but he’s also excelled at an international level for the Kiwis,” said Cleary.
“He will continue to improve at the Panthers. Dean will become a mainstay in our backline over the next 4 years, whilst we continue to develop exciting youngsters such as Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, George Jennings and James Roberts.”
For Whare, the key for him was ongoing support. Support from Executive GM Phil Gould, the club, the members and the fans.
“I want to thank Gus and the Panthers club for giving me the opportunity to extend my contract,” said Whare.
“I really love it here, the boys are great to work with, the members and fans are amazing and Penrith feels like home now.”
“I have so much respect for Ivan and I’ve learnt so much under his guidance, and I’m looking forward to furthering my career with the Panthers family.”