Panthers deny schoolboy pay packet

Penrith have denied claims they are paying schoolboy Greg Waddell $100,000 a year after signing him to the club until 2010.

Waddell, a 16-year-old centre, was the hottest young target in rugby league despite having yet to play Jersey Flegg. The Panthers won the race between several NRL clubs to sign the talented teenager with News Limited reporting Waddell could earn up to $100,000 before he graduates from St Dominics next year.

But Panthers general manager Michael Leary has denied those claims and says Waddell could potentially earn $150,000 between 2008 and 2010 depending on how many NRL games he plays.