Penrith have announced that Newcastle halfback Luke Walsh will join the club for the rest of the 2009 NRL season.

The Panthers have struggled for a permanent halfback since Craig Gower's departure at the end of 2007 and Walsh, once considered the heir apparent to Andrew Johns, has fallen out of favour at the Knights.

Walsh signed a two-year $300,000 deal with Newcastle in 2007 but will complete the contract at Penrith after the Knights agreed to a release on Monday.

He will commence training at Penrith on Tuesday.

"Walsh is a 22-year-old halfback and is a player I feel will be a great acquisition for the club," chief executive Michael Leary said.

"Luke realises he will have to force his way in to the top squad but is happy to be given the opportunity.

"He also gives the squad depth in an area I believe we are lacking in at the moment."

The Panthers lacked direction in the halves in last Saturday's 18-10 loss to Cronulla as young No.7 Jarrod Sammut inexplicably kicked the ball on the first, second or third tackles to hand possession back to the home side.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP