Fringe Penrith Panthers winger John Fonua has been reportedly handed a contract upgrade for 2026. Previous reports suggested he had re-signed with the club through to the end of 2027 - although in what capacity was unclear. The Panthers still have spots to fill for next season - as many as six - and are also looking for depth in their backline after the departure of Daine Laurie. The 25-year-old, who at one point gave up on rugby league before returning this season, has played for the New South Wales under-18 side in the pre-COVID era. That 2017 junior representative side featured Fonua at the back, with other names like Sebastian Kri, Teig Wilton, Zac Lomax, Luke Metcalf, Payne Haas, Lindsay Smith and Josh Curran included against a Queensland side which featured Tino Fa'asuamaleaui, Tom Gilbert, J'maine Hopgood, Tanah Boyd, Cory Paix, Ronaldo Mulitalo and Murray Taulagi.