Former Raider Brad Schneider and Canterbury rookie Paul Alamoti will join NRL powerhouse Penrith in 2024.

Schneider left Canberra mid-way through the 2023 season to take up a loan deal with Super League side Hull KR and has been linked with a move to the Panthers for some time.

The 22-year-old appears a candidate for the back-up playmaker role filled by Sean O’Sullivan and Jack Cogger in recent seasons at Penrith.

The exit leaves the Raiders short of options in the halves, with other playmakers Jack Wighton (South Sydney) and Matt Frawley (Leeds Rhinos) already signed elsewhere. Veteran Jamal Fogarty and rookie Ethan Strange remain contracted.

Schneider and Daine Laurie, who returns from Wests Tigers, could both be in for game-time in the halves during next year’s State of Origin period if both Nathan Cleary and Jarome Luai are selected for NSW.

Meanwhile, a NSW Under 19s State of Origin representative, Alamoti impressed towards the beginning of the season with his speed down the left edge.

But a drop in form had him in and out of first-grade late in the season and the arrivals of Penrith’s Crichton, Bronson Xerri and Blake Taaffe appeared to threaten his spot in the back-line beyond 2023.

He will add depth to a Panthers side that loses first-choice centre Stephen Crichton, but will still need to compete with fellow young guns Sunia Turuva, Izack Tago and Taylan May for a spot in the starting side.

The 19-year-old’s exit is unlikely to be the last for the Bulldogs this off-season as they continue to rebuild following Cameron Ciraldo’s first year as coach.

Tevita Pangai Jr., Kyle Flanagan, Jayden Okunbor, Franklin Pele and Jake Averillo join Alamoti in leaving Canterbury ahead of 2024.