Penrith have announced the surprise signing of AFL player Josh Hall on a two-year deal, beginning in 2016.
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A former rugby league junior and high jumper, Hall has spent the past three years with AFL club Gold Coast Suns, playing seven games for the senior side after being selected as the 94th pick in the 2012 draft.
After undergoing a shoulder reconstruction in 2014, the Townsville product made just two appearances for the Suns in 2015 and is now set for a return to the 13-a-side game.
Panthers boss Phil Gould said he was impressed with Hall's desire to make a successful switch between the codes.
"From the first time I met Josh I was impressed with his personality and enthusiasm," Gould said.
"He possesses great athletic ability and if desire counts for anything, he has a bright future ahead of him. Josh is well aware of the challenges he faces but a successful transition will no doubt inspire others to follow. It won't be easy for Josh but we will do everything in our power to make his dream a reality."
The Panthers start pre-season in November.
Meanwhile, Penrith coach Ivan Cleary has been appointed to take over from Laurie Daley as coach of the Prime Minister's XIII for the annual clash with Papua New Guinea. A 30-man train-on squad, made up of teams not involved in the NRL finals, was announced on Tuesday for the match at Port Moresby on September 26.
State of Origin stars Dane Gagai, Aaron Woods, Josh Papalii, Will Hopoate and Daly Cherry-Evans headline the preliminary roster.
Canberra have six players on the list, including youngsters Jack Wighton and Shannon Boyd, the most of any club not involved in the finals.
PNG native James Segeyaro could also line-up against his country of birth.
More players will be added after week one of the finals, with a final line-up to be named on September 15.
Cleary said he was elated to get the chance to coach at a representative level and hinted that some selections would be a pre-cursor to the 2017 World Cup.
"I'm very grateful for the opportunity, and I'm particularly looking forward to working with some of the younger players who have bright futures," he said.
"This will be an important match for the players who are ultimately selected. This may be a stepping stone for some ahead of the 2017 World Cup."
The PM's XIII, who are undefeated in the fixture since its inception in 2005, defeated the Kumuls 34-16 last year. AAP
