After being one of 13 players released by the Penrith Panthers at the end of the 2025 season, young forward Harrison Hassett appears set to find a new home, with both the Brisbane Broncos and Cronulla Sharks reportedly keen on signing him.

The 21-year-old back-rower, once touted as one of the Panthers’ brightest prospects, has struggled to break into Penrith’s dominant first-grade side. 

Despite years in the club’s pathways system and a single NRL appearance to his name, Hassett’s pedigree, as a former Australian Schoolboys representative and SG Ball Cup Player of the Year, continues to draw attention from rival clubs.

Broncos and Sharks keen on fresh forward depth

According to News Corp, both Brisbane and Cronulla are in talks to bolster their forward depth, with Hassett viewed as a long-term development option. A move to either side would see him working alongside elite internationals, including Patrick Carrigan at the Broncos and Briton Nikora at the Sharks, in what could be the next step of his professional growth.

Hassett had previously been linked to The Dolphins and Wests Tigers over the past 18 months, but the latest interest suggests his NRL journey is far from over. 

For the young Panther-turned-free agent, 2026 may finally bring the platform he’s been waiting for to prove himself at senior level.