NRL 2026: Penrith Panthers predicted team and 2026 overview

Author: Brad Walter NRL Senior Reporter
Timestamp: Tue 27 Jan 2026, 09:01 AM

For the first time in five years, the Panthers aren't defending a premiership title and they will start the season with a stable line-up.

It's a far cry from the four seasons of constantly having to reinvent themselves after each premiership win due to the loss of star players such as Viliame Kikau, Matt Burton, Stephen Crichton (all Bulldogs), James Fisher-Harris (Warriors) and Jarome Luai (Wests Tigers).

In fact, during their historic title run from 2021 to 2024 the Panthers lost 23 top line players to rival clubs.

This year the departures include the likes of Brad Schneider (Dolphins), Luke Sommerton (Titans), Daine Laurie (Raiders), Soni Luke (Cowboys) and Mavrik Geyer (Wests Tigers).

The losses will hurt Penrith's depth, with back up hooker Billy Scott, who played for NSW U19s in 2023, untried at NRL level, and Warriors forwards Tom Ale and Kalani Going being their main signings.

A match-winning double for Blaize Talagi

Playmaker Jack Cogger returns from the Dolphins and he is expected to be the main cover for any injuries in the spine, however, the State of Origin period could be a test for the Panthers.

The upside is that many of the side have played together for a number of years, boom five-eighth Blaize Talagi is now in his second season of partnering Nathan Cleary at the scrum-base and Penrith still boast a number of superstars.

Cleary is arguably the best player in the game but the importance of captain Isaah Yeo on the Panthers can't be underestimated, while Brian To'o is the game's top winger and Liam Martin one of the leading forwards.

Add the likes of fullback Dylan Edwards, prop Moses Leota, boom centre Casey McLean and Talagi, and there is little doubt that the Panthers will again be pushing for premiership glory.