Recruit watch: Tyrone Peachey

The NRL market has been in full swing for 2023 with several stars switching clubs ahead of the new season.

NRL.com takes a look at the major transfers and how your club will benefit from a star arrival.

Tyrone Peachey (Panthers)

• Age: 31
• Position they’ll fill: Utility
• Contracted until: 2023

What Peachey can bring

Tyrone Peachey returns to Penrith in a homecoming of sorts after stints at the Gold Coast and Wests Tigers that failed to reach any great heights compared to his 109-game stint at Penrith between 2014-18.

Peachey's versatility is his biggest strength and after playing his best football under Ivan Cleary and Anthony Griffin, he should have no trouble settling back in to how the Panthers do things in Sydney's west. 

His livewire ability has proven to be a handful for teams in the past, while he's got the talent to make something happen out of nothing if required - a trait only few have in the NRL.

The 31-year-old has floated between centre, five-eighth, back row and the bench in the past four years - a notion looks set to only continue at the Panthers with a star-studded starting line-up unlikely to feature his name for the most part.

However, with a second chance at the Panthers and being around a club that are coming off back-to-back titles, any confidence Peachey has lost in recent times elsewhere should be returned under Cleary's current regime. 

Why it will work

The Panthers have tinkered with their bench utility throughout their successful three years with Mitch Kenny, Tyrone May and Stephen Crichton among those who have occupied the No.14 jersey previously. 

But with Api Koroisau off to Wests Tigers and Kenny expected to start at hooker, Peachey is now a handy bench option to have for Cleary with his ability to play virtually anywhere set to cover the Panthers should an injury strike.

Peachey's 192 career games include 90 appearances off the bench, leaving it a logical choice for both player and coach in 2023.

At his best, Peachey is one of the most useful utility players in the game. The question will be whether Cleary can get the best out of him in the final years of his career.