Penrith Panthers is delighted to announce Spencer Leniu has been promoted to complete the club's top 30 roster for 2019.

The 18-year-old prop began the season in the club's Jersey Flegg squad but his dominant performances soon saw him elevated to the Canterbury Cup side.

The contract upgrade means Leniu, who was previously on an NRL development contract, is immediately available for NRL selection.

"I had to fight back the tears when I was told I was being promoted to the top 30 as it's something I've been working towards for a long time," Leniu said.

"I rang my dad straight away. It was one of the best feelings ever when he shed a tear and said how proud he was of me.

"I thank God for paving this pathway for me. I'm blessed and honoured to now have the opportunity to train and play alongside people I have always looked up to."

A local Minchinbury junior who came through the Panthers development system, Leniu earned selection in the Australian Schoolboys side in 2017 and the NSW U18s side last season.