Season 2026

[betcats]

Sorro will still be in the mix but I just hope by next season Patea and Henry make themselves to hard to leave out.

 

[The Realist]

So, just another talking point. Many punters are saying that Penrith Improves in 2026. The Rationale is that the squad is the same but some of the younger players have gained experience and will improve.

I mostly agree with that however very few people are talking about the counter point. Our Squad will be 1 year older. Most of our 'core' are no longer young and they have had an intense 6 years like no other. Add to that our intense 'grinding' style and I can't help be concerned that whilst our youngers will improve, that our core will decline by as much or even more.

God love To'o but he is already becoming a little less effective than he used to be.

Yeo after a God like period in 2024 has dropped off a fair bit. Hard to believe he has already had 11 full seasons but we cannot expect from him the form he had in 2020-2025, as durable and awesome as he is.

Edwards this year was mostly a shadow of his former self.

Sorro is clearly aging out.

Moses also had a relatively quiet year. We were waiting for the finals beast to emerge, and he did against hampered Warriors and Bulldogs sides - but was well contained by Bronocs minus Carrigan. Prop is not a forgiving position, and they tend to age out faster than any other position.

Marto was a little out of sorts himself this year as well, but I expect him to rebound more than the above.

The Big one will be Nathan. Yes, he is entering his 'prime years' but he is already a veteran of 9 seasons and has had more miles on his body than the average 27 year old NRL player and has already had numerous injury issues.

Barring a handful of games when he seemed to be the God like halfback of old, 2025 was probably his worst year so far this decade.

Panthers have done a wonderful job of keeping the squad from aging out, by moving on a few players each season and replacing them with generally younger players but I can't help that this core as a whole are entering decline.

 

[Chins]

So, just another talking point. Many punters are saying that Penrith Improves in 2026. The Rationale is that the squad is the same but some of the younger players have gained experience and will improve.

I mostly agree with that however very few people are talking about the counter point. Our Squad will be 1 year older. Most of our 'core' are no longer young and they have had an intense 6 years like no other. Add to that our intense 'grinding' style and I can't help be concerned that whilst our youngers will improve, that our core will decline by as much or even more.

God love To'o but he is already becoming a little less effective than he used to be.

Yeo after a God like period in 2024 has dropped off a fair bit. Hard to believe he has already had 11 full seasons but we cannot expect from him the form he had in 2020-2025, as durable and awesome as he is.

Edwards this year was mostly a shadow of his former self.

Sorro is clearly aging out.

Moses also had a relatively quiet year. We were waiting for the finals beast to emerge, and he did against hampered Warriors and Bulldogs sides - but was well contained by Bronocs minus Carrigan. Prop is not a forgiving position, and they tend to age out faster than any other position.

Marto was a little out of sorts himself this year as well, but I expect him to rebound more than the above.

The Big one will be Nathan. Yes, he is entering his 'prime years' but he is already a veteran of 9 seasons and has had more miles on his body than the average 27 year old NRL player and has already had numerous injury issues.

Barring a handful of games when he seemed to be the God like halfback of old, 2025 was probably his worst year so far this decade.

Panthers have done a wonderful job of keeping the squad from aging out, by moving on a few players each season and replacing them with generally younger players but I can't help that this core as a whole are entering decline.

Marto and Dyl are the ones to move on

 

[Oldpanther86]

Marto and Dyl are the ones to move on

We don't have a fullback even Laurie is off to play backup at the raiders and two kids no one can say are good enough or not.

 

[ant67]

So, just another talking point. Many punters are saying that Penrith Improves in 2026. The Rationale is that the squad is the same but some of the younger players have gained experience and will improve.

I mostly agree with that however very few people are talking about the counter point. Our Squad will be 1 year older. Most of our 'core' are no longer young and they have had an intense 6 years like no other. Add to that our intense 'grinding' style and I can't help be concerned that whilst our youngers will improve, that our core will decline by as much or even more.

God love To'o but he is already becoming a little less effective than he used to be.

Yeo after a God like period in 2024 has dropped off a fair bit. Hard to believe he has already had 11 full seasons but we cannot expect from him the form he had in 2020-2025, as durable and awesome as he is.

Edwards this year was mostly a shadow of his former self.

Sorro is clearly aging out.

Moses also had a relatively quiet year. We were waiting for the finals beast to emerge, and he did against hampered Warriors and Bulldogs sides - but was well contained by Bronocs minus Carrigan. Prop is not a forgiving position, and they tend to age out faster than any other position.

Marto was a little out of sorts himself this year as well, but I expect him to rebound more than the above.

The Big one will be Nathan. Yes, he is entering his 'prime years' but he is already a veteran of 9 seasons and has had more miles on his body than the average 27 year old NRL player and has already had numerous injury issues.

Barring a handful of games when he seemed to be the God like halfback of old, 2025 was probably his worst year so far this decade.

Panthers have done a wonderful job of keeping the squad from aging out, by moving on a few players each season and replacing them with generally younger players but I can't help that this core as a whole are entering decline.

Nathan did say in the press conference they were gassed and they weren't finishing the games off in the second half , so yes your right about these concerns , many members here have a good point on bench rotations not done right , chins has been vocal about it but he's right , Ivan can be stubborn. He's a good coach and the loss will having him doing a lot of thinking.

 

[Chins]

We don't have a fullback even Laurie is off to play backup at the raiders and two kids no one can say are good enough or not.

Not for 2026 but after that

 

[Oldpanther86]

Not for 2026 but after that

In the meantime I'd have those kids practising with the afl and being attached to dyl at the hip.

 

[betcats]

We don't have a fullback even Laurie is off to play backup at the raiders and two kids no one can say are good enough or not.

Regarding the two kids coming through. The club had every chance to keep Daine and did not, IMO thay says a lot about them. The only reason to let Daine go is those two coming through. IT wasnt money, he didnt sign somewhere else or anything like that, overall he played well this year for what i presume is not much money. The fact we let him go makes me think the club is very confident in edger or attard or both, if there was any doubt they would just throw Daine the contract he is desperate for.

 

[Oldpanther86]

Regarding the two kids coming through. The club had every chance to keep Daine and did not, IMO thay says a lot about them. The only reason to let Daine go is those two coming through. IT wasnt money, he didnt sign somewhere else or anything like that, overall he played well this year for what i presume is not much money. The fact we let him go makes me think the club is very confident in edger or attard or both, if there was any doubt they would just throw Daine the contract he is desperate for.

Thats fair I'll try and watch more reserve grade next year now they stream the games. Are either in the top 30 or development players?

 

[BossleyPanther]

So, just another talking point. Many punters are saying that Penrith Improves in 2026. The Rationale is that the squad is the same but some of the younger players have gained experience and will improve.

I mostly agree with that however very few people are talking about the counter point. Our Squad will be 1 year older. Most of our 'core' are no longer young and they have had an intense 6 years like no other. Add to that our intense 'grinding' style and I can't help be concerned that whilst our youngers will improve, that our core will decline by as much or even more.

God love To'o but he is already becoming a little less effective than he used to be.

Yeo after a God like period in 2024 has dropped off a fair bit. Hard to believe he has already had 11 full seasons but we cannot expect from him the form he had in 2020-2025, as durable and awesome as he is.

Edwards this year was mostly a shadow of his former self.

Sorro is clearly aging out.

Moses also had a relatively quiet year. We were waiting for the finals beast to emerge, and he did against hampered Warriors and Bulldogs sides - but was well contained by Bronocs minus Carrigan. Prop is not a forgiving position, and they tend to age out faster than any other position.

Marto was a little out of sorts himself this year as well, but I expect him to rebound more than the above.

The Big one will be Nathan. Yes, he is entering his 'prime years' but he is already a veteran of 9 seasons and has had more miles on his body than the average 27 year old NRL player and has already had numerous injury issues.

Barring a handful of games when he seemed to be the God like halfback of old, 2025 was probably his worst year so far this decade.

Panthers have done a wonderful job of keeping the squad from aging out, by moving on a few players each season and replacing them with generally younger players but I can't help that this core as a whole are entering decline.

This is my concern too and why I believe hard decisions need to be made soon on the squad.
Sorro outside the 17
Rest To'o in games during the season
Yeo 60 minute stints
Dyls replacement must be transitioned in.

Just some ideas

 

[Chins]

I don't want the club to be ran like this but personally I'd rather lose with Yeo and To'o then win without them.
If either of those two ever wear another clubs jersey it will be sickening.

 

[Sime_11]

the fact we are not losing anyone of note now shows those guys mentioned really should be 1 club players with us - Nathan is the only exception who probably earns more than what he is on now (Maybe Bizza) - but extending these guys they should be extended for current or lower value as they get older and their quality lessens (respectfully)

 

[Chins]

the fact we are not losing anyone of note now shows those guys mentioned really should be 1 club players with us - Nathan is the only exception who probably earns more than what he is on now (Maybe Bizza) - but extending these guys they should be extended for current or lower value as they get older and their quality lessens (respectfully)

400 games for Lord Yeo please

 

[Hooked]

Having a 14 that spreads the work load would be a big help. Instead of just having a guy there, in case of an injury, to a half or fullback.

14 is one area we are missing something. The Storm and Broncos got great service this year from Wishart and Walters respectively. Even the Dragons did well with Liddle.
We really need to be using our 14's better.

 

[Stinkfinger]

We did have the ideal 14 but he upset a lot of people.

 

[Chins]

We did have the ideal 14 but he upset a lot of people.

Ricky Stuart isn't people, f**k that guy.

 

[betcats]

Thats fair I'll try and watch more reserve grade next year now they stream the games. Are either in the top 30 or development players?

Edgars is i think.

 

[Hooked]

Edgar is on a Development contract next year. A bit of talk he may push into top 30 over the Summer.

 

[Oldpanther86]

Edgar is on a Development contract next year. A bit of talk he may push into top 30 over the Summer.

Edgars is i think.

Sounds like hes the one they rate then

 

[The Realist]

Ricky Stuart isn't people, f**k that guy.

Yeah I think Jaemon was actually quite underrated by our set up and even us fans. We all assumed that a fit Jack Cole would take his place and easily surpass him.

But something tells me that Stinkfinger is talking about Tyrone May....