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Former Panther Charlie Staines made his debut for the Panthers in 2020.
He’s spent the last three seasons at the foot of the Blue Mountains, and started on the wing in their grand final win last season.
But in 2023 he will embark on a fresh challenge – moving away from the system he knows and has nurtured him, to follow Api Koroisau to a side on the up after a lowly couple of years.
Staines will make his first appearance in Tigers colours in a trial match against the Warriors at Mt Smart Stadium.
In 2022, he played most of the season on the wing, but scored only three tries – including the fifth and final in the Panthers’ win over the Eels in the decider.
The young Samoan has been named at fullback for tonight’s clash – a position he will battle Daine Laurie for in the trials heading into round one.
Staines did get a couple of chances in the position during 2022 – but both of them were losses in weakened Panthers sides.
It’s no easy task. Laurie, who is not playing in tonight’s trial line-up, is out to impress and will be looking to prove to Tim Sheens and Tigers bosses why he should be the man to continue in the No.1 jersey.
“Me and him have been swapping in and out, I’ve been doing a little bit at five-eighth and he’s been doing a bit of wing,” Laurie told Fox Sports.
“It’s good to have him there, it keeps me on my toes. It’s friendly competition and it’s only going to make both of us better.”
Staines’ fellow Panthers recruit Koroisau is another, alongside Laurie, who will sit out the match against the Warriors.
Laurie reckons this has been his strongest off-season.
“Especially with ‘Stainsey’ here and all the boys pushing for positions. I reckon this will probably be one of my best years,” he said.
“I’m feeling very confident and can’t wait to show it.”
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