The Panthers dynasty may have ended in 2025 – but the fall from grace comes with a silver lining.
For the first time in a long time, the Panthers haven’t lost any of their top-liners to rival clubs coming into a new season.
There has been plenty of player movement, but all of the departures are fringe first graders – not any of the superstars who played key roles in the Panthers’ remarkable four-peat between 2021 and 2024.
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And to add to the optimism at the foot of the mountains, the Panthers have bolstered their depth with impressive newcomers Tom Ale (Warriors), Jack Cogger (Knights), Kalani Going (Warriors) and Freddy Lussick (Warriors).
Cogger, a solid halfback, returns for a second stint at the club and will be a handy back-up when Nathan Cleary is on Origin duty or injured.
Nathan Cleary will lead the Panthers into 2026. Getty
Ale and Going both starred for the Warriors’ all-conquering NSW Cup team last season and will play NRL at some stage this year, while Lussick will take some of the heat off busy hooker Mitch Kenny.
The starting 13 just about picks itself for Ivan Cleary, with Paul Alamoti earning a spot back in the centres after a strong finish to 2025.
Sadly for the Panthers, the vultures will start picking at the bones again shortly. Boom prop Liam Henry has already signed with Perth for 2027 while Ale, Matthew Eisenhuth, Luke Garner, Going, Tom Jenkins, Lussick, Lindsay Smith and Scott Sorensen are all off contract in coming months, with several certain to leave.
PANTHERS’ BEST 17
1. Dylan Edwards 2. Brian To’o 3. Izack Tago 4. Paul Alamoti 5. Casey McLean 6. Blaize Talagi 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. Lindsay Smith 11. Liam Martin 12. Scott Sorensen 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Jack Cogger 15. Isaiah Papali’i 16. Luke Garner 17. Liam Henry