{"id":128614,"date":"2025-09-08T21:25:08","date_gmt":"2025-09-08T21:25:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/128614\/"},"modified":"2025-09-08T21:25:08","modified_gmt":"2025-09-08T21:25:08","slug":"whispers-emerge-of-panthers-star-facing-brutal-axing-for-elimination-final-against-warriors","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/128614\/","title":{"rendered":"‘Whispers’ emerge of Panthers star facing brutal axing for elimination final against Warriors"},"content":{"rendered":"

Panthers coach Ivan Cleary is reportedly weighing up a massive selection call for Saturday’s elimination final against the Warriors<\/a>, and it could see one of the success stories of 2025 brutally axed. The Panthers will travel to Auckland to take on the Warriors on Saturday evening, with the winner advancing and the loser eliminated.<\/p>\n

Cleary’s side aren’t used to facing elimination so early in the finals, and it means the stakes are higher than ever. On Monday afternoon, the ‘League Scene’ podcast account reported ‘whispers’ doing the rounds that Cleary is leaning towards having Paul Alamoti in the team to take on the Warriors.<\/p>\n

\"Ivan<\/p>\n

Ivan Cleary (L) is reportedly considering leaving Thomas Jenkins (second from left) out. Image: AAP\/Getty<\/p>\n

But in a brutal twist, it could see Thomas Jenkins axed. “With Paul Alamoti\u2019s recent strong run of performances and big game performances in the finals for the Panthers, Ivan Cleary is reportedly contemplating a spot for Alamoti given his strong showings in last year\u2019s finals series, with Tom Jenkins emerging as the possible casualty,” the ‘League Scene’ wrote.<\/p>\n

“These are whispers we\u2019ve heard strongly over the course of today. Alamoti is being strongly considered for the trip to Auckland.”<\/p>\n

\"Thomas<\/p>\n

Thomas Jenkins and Paul Alamoti appear to be vying for the same spot. Image: Getty<\/p>\n

Thomas Jenkins enjoying fairytale season<\/p>\n

Jenkins has enjoyed a fairytale year with the Panthers after starting the year playing for St Mary’s in the third-tier Ron Massey Cup. The winger has played 21 games in first-grade this season, scoring the second-most tries for the Panthers with 13.<\/p>\n

Alamoti played the first 12 rounds <\/a>of the season in first-grade but fell out of favour when the Panthers finally got their full-strength back-line together. He’s scored 12 tries in just 16 games and has more big-game experience than Jenkins having helped the Panthers win the premiership in 2025 and scoring a try in the grand final.<\/p>\n

Jenkins came into first-grade in Round 3 and hasn’t lost his spot ever since. Alamoti has taken his opportunity in recent weeks after star winger Brian To’o received two weeks off to rest<\/a>. But with To’o back on deck for the finals, Cleary is reportedly finding it hard to leave Alamoti out after some strong performances over the last month.<\/p>\n

It would be a devastating blow for Jenkins, who’s never played a finals game. “This year has been one of my favourite years so far,\u201d he said earlier in the season. \u201cThe goal is to be a regular first-grader and I\u2019ve strived for that as such. I spoke earlier in the year that getting the opportunity was so good and I\u2019ve enjoyed it so much, but now it\u2019s more about playing consistent footy – selections will take care of itself.\u201d<\/p>\n

RELATED:<\/p>\n

NRL fans divided amid Panthers’ selection dilemma<\/p>\n

Fans were divided on social media after hearing that Jenkins could be axed. One person wrote: “Paul Alamoti NEEDS to play, but Jenkins is so good too. Will be hard for Ivan to decide.” Another commented: “While Jenkins has been great, in a sudden death game you can\u2019t run the risk with a rookie. Plus Alamoti has been exceptional the last couple weeks.”<\/p>\n

Zero chance Jenkins should be dropped and Tago keeps his spot<\/p>\n

\u2014 Tim (@Tim_Tam98_) September 8, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n