WARRINGTON Wolves’ flying winger Kevin Penny has agreed a new two-year deal at the club while young French international Benjamin Jullien has signed a full-time contract.
Penny, 27, has made 21 appearances this season crossing for 15 tries, including a number of acrobatic displays in the corners and has signed until 2017.
The winger holds heritage number 1071 having re-joined the club for his second stint in 2014 after a three-year absence.
This season got off to a memorable start for Penny in the World Club Series match against NRL side St George Illawarra Dragons – a game in which the high shot on him by Eto Nabuli is still a talking point today.
The locally-born winger may have spent time away from Warrington earlier in his career – at the likes of Wakefield Wildcats and Swinton Lions – and away from the game, but he has found his feet this season competing for a place in the squad each week.
Head of coaching and rugby Tony Smith said: “Kev’s been terrific since he had the opportunity to return to us; he’s played some really strong games. He’s far from the finished article but he’s shown he’s still progressing, still learning and has got some terrific attributes that are going to make him a really competitive winger in our roster for next year.”
Penny said: “I am delighted to be here for the next two years and hopefully more. I’ve been on an incredible journey so far and I’m glad it’s not over yet. The club is moving in an even bigger direction and I’m honoured to be a part of that moving forward.”
In other squad news, French centre or second rower Benjamin Jullien has also joined the ranks agreeing a full-time contract for the 2016 season.
Jullien, 20, joined the club on trial earlier this season and has impressed at partner club North Wales Crusaders since June. He came through the ranks with French club Sporting Olympique Avignon and was part of France’s squad for the 2014 European Championships. He has also spent some time in Australia with Brisbane Broncos’ feeder club.
Smith said: “Benjamin is a really exciting young prospect who has already represented his country. He came as a trialist and has earnt the respect of his fellow players and coaches. He has been on loan with North Wales Crusaders where he has picked up a number of man of the match awards. He is a versatile young player at home at centre or in the back row, and I really think he has developed enormously in the short time he has been here, enough so for us to recognise that he is a good prospect for the future.”
Kev Penny flies through the air….with the greatest of ease!
Kevin Penny attempts to fly in at the corner – PICTURE EDDIE WHITHAM
