Penrith winger Charlie Staines has signed with Wests Tigers in a swap deal that allows utility Tyrone Peachey to return to the Panthers.
An injury to Taylan May cleared the way for Staines to play in the Panthers' 2022 NRL grand final win but the winger had fallen down the pecking order in the regular season and struggled for consistent game time.
Staines had a year to run on his lucrative Penrith deal but with the emergence of youngster Sunia Turuva, his chances of locking down a full-time first-grade spot in 2023 appeared to be growing even slimmer.
On Friday, the Panthers confirmed they had released Staines to sign a one-year deal with the Tigers, who are preparing for life under new head coach Tim Sheens.
"The club has a new coaching staff, incredible facilities, some great new signings, and a strong junior nursery, so I'm really excited to be a part this club," Staines said in a statement.
In return, Peachey has been granted a release from his own contract and has signed a one-year deal with Penrith.
Peachey played his best football at the Panthers between 2014 and 2018 and was selected for State of Origin honours on three occasions in that time.
The 31-year-old had reportedly been given permission to negotiate with rivals in June, just six months into a two-year deal with the Tigers.
He played only 13 games, mostly starting from the bench, and will give Penrith depth across the park as they attempt to win a third consecutive premiership.
"I look forward to welcoming Tyrone and his family back home to Panthers for the 2023 NRL season," Panthers CEO Matt Cameron said.
"It's great to have Tyrone's experience and versatility as part of our club, and we believe he can flourish in the Panthers environment."
Meanwhile, Stephen Kearney has stepped down from his assistant coach role with Melbourne to return home to Brisbane.
Kearney played 139 games for the Storm and served as an assistant to Craig Bellamy across two stints, first between 2006 and 2010, and then from 2021 until the end of this season.
In between his terms on staff at Melbourne, he was head coach of Parramatta and then the Warriors.
"Storm has been a big part of my life, and the life of my family, for over 20 years," Kearney said in a statement.
"I cannot thank them enough for the opportunities they have given me to develop as a player, coach and person."
