Winning hand: Lussick eager to cash in on new Panthers role

If you can’t beat them, join them.

It’s that kind of scenario for hooker Freddy Lussick, who has played in two NRL finals in his 59 games – once when he was with the Roosters in 2020 and again in 2023 with the Warriors – losing out both times to the Penrith Panthers.

Lussick joined the Panthers on a one-year deal for 2026, following an early release from the Warriors, and is making the most of his chances.

A broken leg to regular Panthers No.9 Mitch Kenny in the Round 7 game against the Dolphins in Darwin brought Lussick off the bench and into the middle and he’s remained there since.

“It’s unfortunate for Mitch, who was playing really good footy, but it’s an opportunity for me to try and grow and learn more each week,” Lussick told NRL.com

“During the pre-season I worked a lot with Mitch and learned how he plays his game, the hard edge he has about it, especially in defence, and I’ve tried to lean in on that and copy that.

“He’s set a high standard. I’m not trying to be like anyone else – just myself – but he’s given me a great example.”

The 25 year-old is at his fourth NRL club after the Roosters, Dragons and Warriors before signing with the Panthers and is feeling like he made a very good choice.

“I didn’t feel intimidated despite the Panthers dominance of the NRL over the past few years,” Lussick said.

“Since moving here I honestly couldn’t be happier. Ivan and Nat (Cleary) along with other senior players have given me so much confidence.

“I hope that shows a bit out on the field. For sure, the expectations and standards here at the club are high but I’m okay with that.”

Kenny’s enforced absence opens the door for Lussick to be the starting rake and show Panthers officials what he can produce on a weekly basis.

He’s scored two tries in his six games so far this year but also has a tackle efficiency of 96.1%.

Against the club he played Harold Matthews Cup (Under 17s) with – the Manly Sea Eagles – last weekend Lussick made four dummy half runs and 37 tackles in his 66 minutes on the field, second only to Isaah Yeo’s 44 tackles in 80 minutes.

He will return to the field on Sunday afternoon when Penrith take on the resurgent Raiders at GIO Stadium.

“I don’t want to get too far ahead of myself,” Lussick said, when asked what 2027 might look like for him.

“I just want to keep things simple and do what the team needs me to do. Whatever unfolds will unfold.”

Penrith are keen to keep the hard worker, who won the 2025 NSW Cup premiership with the Warriors over the Dragons last September and then a week later won the NRL’s State Championship over the Burleigh Bears, but no talks with the club have been held yet.