Panther Switches Stripes!

Radisson Maine Wests Tigers have continued their impressive build up to next year with Head Coach Tim Sheens announcing Penrith Panther, Shane Elford has signed with Wests Tigers for the next two years.

Elford, who made his debut for Penrith in 1998, has been granted a release from the final year of his contract with the Panthers.

? It?s going to be great to work with Tim Sheens and to link up with Royce Simmons again,? Elford said.

? Its going to be sad to leave Penrith, but I?m really excited about getting the opportunity to play First Grade on a regular basis.?

Head Coach Tim Sheens says Elford is a key signing in Wests Tigers quest to be Premiership force in 2004.

?Shane is a strike player who is very versatile,?

?He is very strong defensively and has got both size and speed,?

Elford joined the Panthers in 1996 from St Marys. He won the club?s Most Improved Player award in 1999 and 2000.

?He has only been kept out of the top grade at Penrith because of the way the team has been going and the calibre of player in front of him.? Sheens said.