SYDNEY - South Sydney today confirmed the signing of fullback Rhys Wesser for the 2009 and 2010 NRL seasons.
Wesser said he could see plenty of potential within the Rabbitohs' playing ranks and was excited about the move.
"I've been watching them for the last couple of years
and I think it is a very promising club with a lot of talented young players coming through," Wesser said.
"I want to be part of something great at the club and I will do everything I can to help Souths be a success."
The 29-year-old has played 172 games for the Penrith Panthers, scoring a club record 112 tries since making his debut in 1998.
The former Queensland custodian was a star member of John Lang's premiership winning Panthers side in 2003 and was also selected at fullback in the Panthers Team of Legends, announced in 2006.
"This is a fantastic signing for the club and we're sure Rhys will be part of a team, and working in an environment, in which he can fire," Rabbitohs chief executive Shane Richardson said.
"He has a phenomenal tryscoring strike rate, he's a great team player and we're sure he will do a wonderful job for us at fullback."
Rabbitohs coach Jason Taylor said Wesser's experience would complement the club's young talent.
"He's an enthusiastic player and I think he will fit in perfectly with the young backs we've got already," said Taylor.
"Our recruitment has targeted some experienced outside backs and he will do the job for us along with Colin Best next year."
Panthers chief executive Michael Leary said it was only after lengthy consideration that Wesser was granted a release.
"Rhys has been a wonderful ambassador for the Panthers ... he has spoken to me on a number of occasions concerning this release and it is in the best interests of both parties," Leary said in a statement.
"The club has young, up and coming juniors in Lachlan Coote and Jarrod Sammut to fill the shoes of Rhys. The decision to grant the release is amicable for both parties."
- AAP
