Fans are paying tribute to six departing Penrith Panthers players after they were farewelled by the club on Tuesday night. Dylan Edwards surprisingly pipped Nathan Cleary to the Penrith Panthers’ player of the year gong at the club’s end-of-season presentation night, despite the champion No.7 winning the Dally M Medal, along with the RLPA players’ player of the year, Wally Lewis medal and Brad Fittler medal in 2026.
Cleary was unable to attend as he recovers from double leg surgery, and there was another element of sadness as the Panthers bid farewell to six players. Freddy Lussick became the latest to confirm his departure on Monday after agreeing a two-year deal with the Canterbury Bulldogs from 2027.
Premiership-winning duo Scott Sorensen and Liam Henry are both moving to the Perth Bears, along with back-up playmaker Jack Cole. While squad members Jesse McLean and Toby Crosby will also don new colours next season.
Outside back McLean – the older brother of Penrith and Kiwi Test centre Casey – is set to link up with Lussick at the Bulldogs. The 21-year-old debuted for the Panthers in 2023 but has only played four NRL games for the club in that time after struggling to break into a stacked Penrith backline.
While 23-year-old prop Crosby has taken up a two-year deal with English Super League club Warrington Wolves, coached by South Sydney legend Sam Burgess. It means Ivan Cleary’s side will have a significantly different look next season, with youngest son Jett moving back from the Warriors to play under his dad in the veteran coach’s final season before he steps aside.
Jack Cole (L) and Freddy Lussick (R) are both swapping the Panthers for the Bulldogs in 2027. Pic: Getty
Fans send well wishes to departing Panthers players
But the exits of hard-working middle forwards Sorensen and Henry have hit fans the hardest. Sorensen won four premierships under coach Cleary and has played 125 games for the club and four Tests for the Kiwis. The 33-year-old will bring a wealth of experience to Mal Meninga’s Bears in 2027.
And Henry also departs the Panthers as a premiership winner after playing in the club’s 2024 grand final win over Melbourne. The 25-year-old’s defence and workrate coming predominantly off the bench has made him a Penrith fan favourite, but Henry now has a massive opportunity to cement a starting role in Perth.
Panthers premiership heroes Scott Sorensen (R) and Liam Henry (L) are both leaving to play for the Perth Bears next season. Pic: Getty
Penrith thanked the six departing players for their service to the club in a video montage on social media, prompting a wave of tributes from fans. “Thank you,” the Panthers post read. “We farewell six departing Panthers, including a pair of premiership-winning heroes.”
One fan commented: “Scott Sorensen would have to go down as one of our greatest signings. Will never forget how he chased down Jahrome Hughes in that 2021 preliminary final. The ultimate club man.
Another wrote: “Scott and Liam two great defenders. Two of my faves, hard to replace… sad.” A third said: “Heartbroken Scotty’s going. Would have loved him to play out at Penrith. Good Luck to the boys, thanks for the memories.”
A fourth replied: You will all be missed but I wish each and every one of you all the best at your new clubs. While another supporter commented: “Such a great tribute to these amazing players.”