The Penrith Panthers have upgraded Billy Phillips’ contract and extended him for a further two years, locking the young forward in until the end of the 2029 NRL season.
The extension comes as Phillips continues to cement his place in the Panthers’ rotation during the early stages of this season.
From Debutant to Regular
Phillips made his NRL debut in Round 26 last year against the Canterbury Bulldogs, in a match where Penrith rested a number of key players ahead of their finals campaign.
Since then, the emerging forward has taken his opportunity with both hands.
In 2026, Phillips has featured in all six matches for the Panthers, establishing himself as a reliable option in the forward pack and showing signs he can be part of the club’s long-term plans.
Timely Retention Amid Roster Changes
The deal comes at a crucial time for Penrith as they prepare for significant roster turnover in the coming seasons.
Premiership forwards Scott Sorensen and Liam Henry are set to depart for the Perth Bears in 2027, while the club could also face a major contract squeeze with up to ten regular NRL players coming off contract at the end of 2027.
There are also key negotiations looming, with Liam Martin’s management expected to begin talks soon, while superstar halfback Nathan Cleary has indicated he will test the market — although he is still widely expected to remain at Penrith.
Building for the Future
In that context, securing developing talent like Phillips becomes even more important.
The upgraded deal not only rewards his strong start to the season but also ensures the Panthers continue to build depth from within as they transition into their next roster cycle.
