Luke Lewis Signs for 2009-11
2nd April 2008
Former NSW winger Luke Lewis has promised to "play his heart out" in his final season with Penrith after signing a four-year deal to join South Sydney from next year. The 24-year-old utility, who is believed to have received a lucrative offer from the Rabbitohs, said would have liked to have stayed with the Panthers but wanted to secure his future. "I always wanted to stay at Penrith ... (but) it's sort of a decision I've had to make now to secure my future and do the best thing for my football," said Lewis, who has played three matches for NSW and went on the 2003 Kangaroo Tour.
Souths director of football operations Shane Richardson said Lewis' best years were still ahead of him. "Luke has so much he wants to achieve in the game, and at 24 years of age it is exciting that he sees South Sydney as a club where he can achieve those ambitions," Richardson said in a Rabbitohs statement. "He is a very fine player and he will add depth and versatility to our side."
Lewis Backflip
28th May 2008
Under the current rules a player can opt out of a contract before June 30 to remain in his existing club. Luke Lewis has chosen to do so.
The South Sydney Football Club wishes Luke Lewis the best of luck after making the decision to remain with the Penrith Panthers in 2009 and beyond. "We're disappointed that Luke won't be joining us next season," Rabbitohs CEO Shane Richardson said. "We understand the personal reasons involved in his decision and we wish him the best of luck in the future."