The Penrith Panthers have added another promising talent to their roster with rising star Zakauri Clarke signing his first NRL contract.
After an impressive stint in the club’s lower grades, the 21-year-old forward-backline utility has secured a two-year deal that elevates him to Penrith’s development list.
A former Wests Tigers junior, Clarke has been turning heads since his arrival at Penrith, with his versatility and powerful style drawing comparisons to Cronulla Sharks’ standout Briton Nikora. His ability to thrive in both the forwards and wider channels has made him one of the Panthers’ most valuable emerging assets.
Clarke has featured three times this season in the NSW Cup after progressing from the Jersey Flegg Cup. His development has not gone unnoticed — he was recently ranked 44th in Zero Tackle’s top 100 young players yet to debut in the NRL, lauded for his attacking flair despite boasting the frame of a traditional forward.
The timing of Clarke’s contract is particularly noteworthy, coming just a day after his younger brother, Cooper Clarke, was selected in the New South Wales Blues squad for the 2025 Under-19s State of Origin clash. The Clarke siblings’ back-to-back milestones signal a bright future for their family in the game.
With Penrith riding the momentum of four consecutive premierships, the club continues to build for long-term success. Clarke’s signing reflects their commitment to nurturing elite youth talent and sustaining their dominance in the NRL’s fiercely competitive landscape.
