Ready to roar: Dramatic week driving Panthers towards Roosters showdown
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The Penrith Panthers are determined to let their football do the talking as they navigate a dramatic lead-in to Thursday's top-of-the-table showdown with the Roosters.
It's been a challenging week on and off the field for Ivan Cleary's men, with captain Isaah Yeo injuring his pectoral in last Friday's loss to the Warriors.
The positive news that Yeo has avoided season-ending surgery and could return in time for the finals was quickly overshadowed by the announcement that Brian To'o will depart at the end of next year to join the PNG Chiefs.
Brian on the double
The situation threatens to distract from Penrith's quest for the minor premiership, with the winner of Thursday's match at CommBank Stadium to take sole ownership of first place with three rounds remaining in the season.
The Panthers, however, have dealt with player departures and late-season injuries on a yearly basis since their run of success commenced in 2020 and prop Liam Henry said they are well-positioned to put the drama aside before the Roosters clash.
"There's always going to be off-field distractions," Henry said. "The club does a wonderful job with the players to get them to focus on what's important.
"We don't pay too much attention to what happens outside these four walls.
"We've taken some great lessons out of last week's game. The Roosters have been going well, they've got a great side and a good forward pack so we're looking forward to Thursday night."
Match: Panthers v Roosters
Round 24 -
home Team
Panthers
1st Position
away Team
Roosters
2nd Position
Venue: CommBank Stadium, Sydney
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
Speculation about the future of several Panthers has followed the side all year, with 10 players set to hit the open market if they don't sign contract extensions before November 1.
Co-captains Yeo and Nathan Cleary sit atop of a list also featuring Liam Martin, Moses Leota and Blaize Talagi.
The Iceman with a crucial 40/20
Winger Tom Jenkins is among the cohort to have extended beyond 2027 and he's hopeful as many teammates as possible remain with the club when Peter Wallace takes over in 2028.
"They all have faith and trust in Wall that he's going to lead us to success," Jenkins said. "Everyone in this building has full confidence. I'm not too sure about the boys' contracts and how that influences them but it wouldn't be in a negative way.
"As somebody who's re-signed long term, I'd love to see those boys follow suit, I'd love to see everyone stay. The sad thing about footy is it's a business and when you're going well, other teams want your players. That's part of it but hopefully the boys re-sign."
To'o's decision to depart the club at the end of next season drew mixed emotions within Panthers HQ, with players both surprised at the move and excited to see their teammate embark on a new challenge at an expansion club.
The winger's exit also reflects the financial reality in Penrith, with club officials unable to squeeze a long list of stars into the salary cap.
"It was a bit of a surprise but in the same sense, it's footy," Jenkins said. "I'm stoked for him that he can do this for his family and he's deserving of whatever comes next.
"For him, the next chapter is PNG but that's in 2028. He's got a massive job here, which he'll play a big role in our 2027 season and the rest of this season."
To'o's exit is just one of many changes coming at the foot of the mountains over the next couple of years.
Jack Cole, Scott Sorensen and Liam Henry will depart at the end of this season to join the Perth Bears, while coach Ivan Cleary will hang up the clipboard at the end of 2027, with current assistant Peter Wallace taking charge.
It's the latest roster evolution for a club that has farewelled more stars than any other throughout the past five years, all while enjoying unprecedented success in the NRL era.
Penrith have made a habit of sending their departing players out with a premiership, with Api Koroisau, Viliame Kikau, Stephen Crichton and Jarome Luai among the big names to taste grand final glory in their final game as a Panther.
It's a club Henry is desperate to join, the forward willing to do whatever it takes to win a second title before moving to Perth.
"It's a wonderful opportunity to be part of what they're doing over there," Henry said. "However I've still got the end of this year and I'm going to do everything I can in my power to win a premiership with Penrith."
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