The Penrith Panthers have reportedly signed a fifth player from the New Zealand Warriors in recent weeks, with hooker Freddy Lussick making the move back to Australia. The Daily Telegraph is reporting that Lussick has made an immediate switch from the Warriors to the Panthers, joining a number of teammates in doing the same.
The Panthers have confirmed the signings of Kalani Going and Tom Ale from the Warriors for 2026, and have reportedly also convinced Toby Crosby and Patrick Moimoi to make the switch. Lussick, Going, Ale, Crosby and Moimoi were all part of the Warriors’ NSW Cup squad that won the reserve-grade premiership this season.
Ivan Cleary (L) and the Panthers have reportedly signed another player from the Warriors, while Michael Maguire (R) and the Broncos are said to be considering an immediate release for Coby Black. Image: AAP
Lussick will be joining his fourth NRL club after stints with the Roosters and Dragons before the Warriors. The hooker played 39 games at NRL level for the Warriors from 2022 to 2025, and will likely serve as Mitch Kenny’s back-up at the Panthers in 2026.
Penrith had been using the likes of Luke Sommerton and Soni Luke to play dummy-half when Kenny was out, but neither were offered a new contract for 2026. The Panthers have also brought Jack Cogger back from the Knights, and he’ll likely play a bench utility role next season.
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Panthers coach Ivan Cleary has a connection to the Warriors in that he formerly played for and coached the club. Youngest son Jett is under contract with the New Zealand club until the end of 2027, and was actually born in Auckland while Ivan was coaching there. Ivan was a keen observer when the Warriors won the State Championship on NRL grand final day.
Freddy Lussick (L) is reportedly moving to the Panthers, while Coby Black (R) is said to be seeking an immediate release from the Broncos. Image: Getty/AAP
Coby Black reportedly keen for immediate Broncos release
Meanwhile, Broncos young gun Coby Black is reportedly seeking an immediate release to join Canberra. The young half has signed with the Raiders from 2027, after the Broncos moved to secure Jonah Pezet from Melbourne (after one year with the Eels).
But The Courier Mail reported on Tuesday that Black has asked to be released from the final year of his contract to join the Raiders immediately. With Adam Reynolds, Ben Hunt and Ezra Mam still on the books, Black appears little chance to play first-grade at the Broncos in 2026.
But with Jamal Fogarty’s departure to Manly, there could be an opportunity for him in Canberra. The Raiders are expected to give Ethan Sanders the first crack at partnering Ethan Strange in the halves, but that could change if Black makes an immediate move.
Yahoo Sport Australia has contacted the Broncos for comment in regards to Black’s reported request for an immediate release. Speaking last week, Raiders coach Ricky Stuart said he’s excited to work with Black.
“Coby is the style of halfback that will suit the way we play because we have runners on the edges,” Stuart told News Corp. “We have a running style of team and I see him in a very similar style to Ethan Sanders.
“He is only young but as time goes forward we will be in a position to keep coaching and teaching him. I’m not a coach who doesn’t have the courage to play a kid. If he shows me he is physically and mentally ready, I will pick him. We will give Coby Black every opportunity to succeed.”