Done Deal: St Helens Utility Moses Mbye Pens 3-Year Contract with Penrith Panthers
November 26, 2024 – In a major move for both the Super League and NRL landscapes, Moses Mbye has officially completed a high-profile switch from St Helens to Penrith Panthers, signing a three-year contract that will see the versatile utility player return to the NRL for the 2025 season. The signing has been hailed as a significant coup for the Panthers, bolstering their depth with an experienced and adaptable talent ahead of their continued pursuit of NRL glory.
Moses Mbye, 30, has been one of the standout performers for St Helens since making the move from the NRL in 2023. Known for his versatility in both the halves and in the backline, Mbye quickly established himself as a key player for the Super League side, playing an instrumental role in their campaign for domestic and European honors. His leadership, defensive tenacity, and creative attacking abilities saw him become a crucial figure for the Saints during his time in the UK, but despite the success, Mbye has long been vocal about his desire to return to the NRL.
Having spent the early part of his career with the Canterbury Bulldogs and Wests Tigers before moving to England, Mbye’s desire to test himself again in the NRL was understandable. The Penrith Panthers, with their impressive track record of success and a well-established culture of excellence, proved to be the ideal destination for the seasoned campaigner. The Panthers’ interest in Mbye comes as no surprise. After claiming three NRL premierships in four years (2021, 2022, and 2023), the Panthers have continued to position themselves as one of the strongest clubs in the competition.
With key players like Nathan Cleary, Isaah Yeo, and James Fisher-Harris still at the heart of their success, the addition of Mbye brings a wealth of experience, leadership, and versatility that can help guide the club through its next phase of dominance. Penrith Panthers’ General Manager of Football, Matt Cameron, expressed his excitement at securing Mbye’s services for the next three years. “This is an exciting signing for us,” said Cameron. “Moses has a wealth of experience in both the NRL and the Super League, and his versatility is a real asset.
Whether it’s in the halves, at hooker, or in the backline, Moses brings a level of professionalism and maturity that will only help further strengthen our squad. His leadership will also be invaluable as we continue to build and maintain a culture of success here at Penrith.” Mbye’s move to Penrith signals the next chapter in what has already been a distinguished career. Starting his NRL journey with the Canterbury Bulldogs in 2014, Mbye made his mark as a talented playmaker before moving to the Wests Tigers, where he enjoyed stints as both a halfback and fullback.
His versatility and high rugby IQ made him one of the most reliable players in the competition, but it was his time in the Super League that saw him truly shine in a leadership role with St Helens. During his time at St Helens, Mbye was an integral part of the club’s continued success, helping to maintain their position as one of the premier sides in the UK. His calm demeanor, tactical kicking, and ability to read the game played a pivotal role in guiding the club through the rigors of both the Super League and the Challenge Cup. However, after two seasons at St Helens, Mbye felt the pull to return to the NRL and be closer to home, especially with the opportunity to join a club with the pedigree of Penrith.
“I’m incredibly excited to be joining the Penrith Panthers,” said Mbye in a statement after the announcement. “The Panthers are a team that has built a legacy of success over the last few years, and I’m really looking forward to being part of that. It’s been an amazing experience playing in the Super League, and I’ve learned so much, but I’m eager to return to the NRL and test myself again at the highest level. Penrith is a club with a lot of ambition, and I’m excited to contribute to that.” The deal is expected to be a three-year contract, keeping Mbye at Penrith until the end of the 2027 season. The terms of the deal were not fully disclosed, but it is understood that Mbye will be offered a key role within the team as a utility player.
This could include time as a halfback, hooker, or even a backline option, depending on the Panthers’ needs. His flexibility gives coach Ivan Cleary plenty of options in terms of game management and squad rotation. Penrith’s desire to add more experience to their squad is also a reflection of the club’s long-term vision. The Panthers have seen several young stars come through the ranks in recent seasons, but with the departures of several veteran players and the physical demands of the modern NRL, the addition of a player like Mbye ensures that the club maintains balance and depth across all positions.
Cleary, who has led Penrith to sustained success since taking over as head coach, was full of praise for Mbye’s signing. “We’re always looking for ways to improve, and Moses is exactly the type of player who can help us do that,” said Cleary. “His experience, his work ethic, and his ability to adapt to different positions will only enhance what we’re trying to achieve at Penrith. He brings a winning mentality, and we’re looking forward to having him in the squad for the next few years.”
Mbye’s signing is expected to add further excitement to an already highly competitive NRL season in 2025. With a roster stacked with talent, the Penrith Panthers are poised to continue their reign as one of the NRL’s most dominant clubs, and Moses Mbye’s arrival adds yet another layer of depth to their championship aspirations. As the NRL prepares for another thrilling season, all eyes will be on the Panthers and the new recruits, including Moses Mbye, as they look to continue their legacy of success in the years to come.
