Penrith Panthers 2026 season preview
2025 recap
After four straight Premierships, the Panthers dynasty finally came to an end in 2025.
They came mighty close to extending it though. After a dismal start to the year, they rallied to finish 7th, and saw off the Warriors and the Bulldogs in convincing fashion before falling to the Broncos in week three of the Finals, despite having a 14-0 lead.
2025 position: 7th (Eliminated in week three of Finals)
Key signings
Jack Cogger (Newcastle Knights), Kalani Going (New Zealand Warriors), Tom Ale (New Zealand Warriors), Freddy Lussick (New Zealand Warriors)
Key departures
Luke Sommerton (Gold Coast Titans), Mavrik Geyer (Wests Tigers), Brad Schneider (The Dolphins), Asu Kepaoa (Newcastle Knights), David Fale (St George Illawarra Dragons), Daine Laurie (Canberra Raiders), Trent Toelau (Melbourne Storm), Soni Luke (North Queensland Cowboys), Riley Price (Redcliffe), Harrisson Hassett (Released), Preston Riki (Released)
Players to watch
After a slow start to his Panthers career, Blaize Talagi went from strength to strength as the year wore on in 2025, and he’ll certainly start this season as Nathan Cleary’s halves partner. He’s still only 20, but with two years of first grade football behind him, he’s no longer an unknown quantity, and he’ll need to go up another level again in 2026.
Casey McLean is another Panthers youngster who shone in 2025. The Kiwi international scored 16 tries in 23 games to help Penrith soar towards the Finals. At just 19, his best days are still ahead of him, but he’s another player who comes into this season as a marked man for opposition defences.
Young gun
At 21, Jesse McLean is older than his brother Casey, but still very much a youngster. He’s only played four games of first grade across three seasons, but he’s tied to a contract until the end of 2028, so Penrith clearly see a future for him. It’ll be hard to dislodge any of the current wingers, but injuries and Origin call-ups could open the door for him in 2026, and he’ll need to grab his opportunity if it comes.
Our prediction – 2nd
I have a feeling the Panthers will bounce back in style this year. Even when they were losing games in 2025, there was a feeling that they were better than results suggested, and when they clicked into gear they were still one of the top two or three sides in the NRL. I can see them coasting into the top eight this season and having a deep run into the Finals.
