Penrith’s premiership hopes have received a significant boost with inspirational lock forward Isaah Yeo not requiring immediate surgery on the pec he injured during Friday’s loss to the Warriors.

Yeo left the field in the first half in agony, with coach Ivan Cleary saying after the game that it “doesn’t look great”.

There were fears he would miss the rest of the season and the World Cup, but scans have cleared him of any damage that requires immediate surgery.

It means the Panthers co-captain could return at some stage this year, with some experts suggesting they have no chance of winning the title without him.

“Penrith Panthers can confirm co-captain Isaah Yeo will not require immediate surgery after suffering a pectoral injury against the Warriors on Friday night,” the Panthers confirmed on Monday morning.

“Scans have revealed the extent of the injury, with Yeo to commence rehabilitation in a bid to return to the field during the 2026 NRL season.

“His progress will continue to be monitored throughout his rehabilitation.”

It’s unclear when the 2024 Golden Boot winner will be back, but he won’t play in the top of the table showdown with the Roosters on Thursday night that could decide the minor premiership.

Lindsay Smith is an option to replace him at lock, but in reality there is no one who can truly replicate what Yeo does in the middle of the field.

Former teammate Spencer Leniu is now at the Roosters and explained just how important Yeo is to the Panthers.

“I think it’s a massive loss. He’s the heartbeat of their team,” Leniu said after his side’s 20-18 win over the Bulldogs that saw them join the Panthers at the top of the table.

“Knowing Penrith, they’re a world-class team and they’ll just have that next man up mentality. They’ve been doing it for the last couple of years, they’ve filled those voids when it’s come around, and it’ll be no different next week if he’s out.

“He was the heartbeat (when I was there), he was a captain, and he’s obviously the captain there now.

“When a lot of experience like that goes off the field, you definitely notice it. But they’re the Penrith Panthers, they’re a well-oiled machine and it’ll just be next man up. No doubt they will still be pushing for that premiership at the end of the year.”

Originally published as ‘Panthers can confirm…’: Penrith provide major update on Isaah Yeo after serious pec injury