Penrith Panthers fans are rejoicing after the club confirmed the return of 2023 premiership hero Jack Cogger on Thursday. There’s been rumours for months that Cogger was returning to Penrith in 2026, but the club only confirmed the signing this week.
Cogger was part of the Panthers’ premiership-winning team in 2023, helping them win the grand final against the Broncos that year after coming onto the field when Jarome Luai got injured. The 28-year-old only played one season at Penrith, but is a fan favourite for his contribution to that year’s premiership.
Cogger started his career at the Newcastle Knights, before a two-year stint with the Bulldogs. He returned to the Knights in 2024 after just 13 games for the Panthers the previous year.
Jack Cogger (third from left at back) played an instrumental role in the Panthers’ grand final triumph in 2023. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)
With Brad Schneider signing with the Dolphins for 2026, Cogger will likely fill the bench utility role for Ivan Cleary’s side and be the back-up to superstar halfback Nathan Cleary. “We’re excited to have Jack return to the club,” said Panthers general manager of rugby league Shane Elford
“Not only does he bring valuable experience and depth in the halves, but he’s also a terrific person who contributes strongly to the culture and standards we set at Panthers. He knows what it takes to succeed here, and we’re confident he’ll make a positive impact both on and off the field.”
Cogger has played 120 first-grade games since debuting back in 2016. He featured in 38 games for the Knights across the last two seasons amid the club’s halves merry-go-round.
Jack Cogger played 13 games for the Panthers in 2023. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)
Jack Cogger’s starring role in 2023 grand final
Although he only played 13 games for Penrith in 2023, his contributions live long in the memory of Panthers fans. He was picked on the bench in that year’s grand final, but played a pivotal role when Luai had to leave the field.
Cogger stepped into the halfback role, which allowed Cleary to move wider of the ruck and play more second receiver. It resulted in Cleary producing one of the all-time grand final bursts when he helped the Panthers erase a 16-point deficit to break the Broncos’ hearts.
NRL legend Cooper Cronk said of Cogger’s performance at the time: “This might sound crazy but if Jarome Luai stays on the field, Brisbane win. Jack Cogger comes onto the field and creates space for Cleary to become a ball runner and a line-breaker.
“Go back and watch the (Moses) Leota try – Cogger’s ball-playing is so good that it creates space for Cleary to go through on the outside of (Kurt) Capewell. And again for the (Stephen) Crichton try – you watch the nuance that Cogger does with his footwork and his eyes. He looks in, plays out and goes straight, and creates enough space for Nathan to get the ball out.”
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Panthers fans delight to have Jack Cogger back
On Thursday, fans took to social media to celebrate Cogger’s return to the Panthers on a three-year deal that secures his future until the end of 2028. One person wrote: “Although I didn’t mind Schneider, I do think Cogger is overall better. Good to have him back.”
Another wrote: “Welcome back Coggs!!” While a third added: “Oh happy days – welcome home Cogs.”