2026 rumoured and confirmed signings

[Chins]

If Liam Martin still has 2 years on his contract can PNG even talk to him or make a offer

If we are trying to move him on yes and we probably should be

 

[Iamback]

Can't agree on the AFL. Basically only tall sticks can play it.

They have very few islanders over there.

AFL has 90'000 juniors
Rugby 13,000.

You would think as Rugby is a basketcase some will transfer across.

Not sure what interest if any the AFL ones have to come across, particularly as we have seen how dirty they play here in NSW

 

[Bob]

Minimum-wage record-breaker Tom Jenkins set for $360k pay rise after 2026 try-scoring feats​

Tom Jenkins is on track to break one of rugby league’s longest standing records after smashing one try-scoring record in 2026 - and it’s set to earn the $140,000 winger a bumper contract hike.

Dean Ritchie

@BulldogRitchie

2 min read
April 7, 2026 - 5:00AM
News Sport Network
https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/s...9dc29a03fbcdb289d37081bf7ba7f907?amp#comments
NRL: Penrith Panthers winger Thomas Jenkins has torched the Sydney Roosters, scoring 4 tries in his side’s dominant round 3 win.
He is the $140,000-a-year minimum-wage try scoring sensation poised for a massive pay hike at Penrith as rival NRL clubs circle.
This masthead can reveal Panthers winger Tom Jenkins joined Penrith from St Mary’s before last season on an $80,000 development contract before being upgraded to the minimum wage deal he is still playing under.
It is staggering to think Jenkins could be earning such a modest wage after scoring 12 tries in the opening five games this year.
Being on the NRL’s minimum wage means Jenkins is earning a tick over $3000 a game – this for the NRL’s leading try scorer.
The Panthers are getting incredible value from Jenkins, especially when you consider the highest earning wingers on this masthead’s last instalment of the Rich 100 list were Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and Zac Lomax on $650,000 a season while Penrith’s Brian To’o was next on $610,000.

Jenkins comes off contract this year, meaning he has been a free agent since last November.
No other player in the Australian rugby league’s 118-year history has scored more tries after the first five games of a season.
NRL club recruitment managers now predict Jenkins is now worth around $350,000 a year, that lifting to $400,000 if the winger comes deep in State of Origin contention.
That figures could jump another $100,000 if Jenkins secures selection for NSW.
Within six weeks, Jenkins’ value could increase to as much as $500,000 a season.
One club recruitment boss said: “Jenkins is like the stock exchange – his value seems to be changing every day.”

The left winger, nicknamed Milky, or the Milky Bar Kid by teammates, and his management team have been in deep dialogue with Penrith about a contract extension.
Jenkins is particularly close to Panthers coach Ivan Cleary and wants to remain at the club although big money offers from rivals might be tempting.
Penrith wants to retain Jenkins although the club is engaged in an ongoing salary cap battle, given their star-studded playing roster.
It is understood that three rivals NRL clubs have expressed interest in Jenkins.

Jenkins scored two tries in Round 1 against Brisbane, a further two against Cronulla in Round 2, four tries against Sydney Roosters a week later, two more against Parramatta after that and another two against Melbourne last Friday night.
That’s 12 tries in 400 minutes – a try every 33 minutes. Jenkins has scored 33 per cent of Penrith’s 36 tries this year.
His stocks seem to be rising weekly.

Jenkins, who has been studying finance at university, played at Penrith in 2022 and 2023, had a season in Newcastle before returning to the Panthers.
He wasn’t initially signed by Penrith after his Knights stint but came through St Mary’s, where he was spotted by Cleary, who pulled the winger into full-time training.
Jenkins wasn’t guaranteed any deal when he turned up to play at St Mary’s. He has played nearly double his NRL game tally in NSW Cup.

 

[Wetcats]

If Liam Martin still has 2 years on his contract can PNG even talk to him or make a offer

His agent can chat with whoever he wants informally however. They can say everything they need to say without breaking those rules tbh.

 

[age.s]

Minimum-wage record-breaker Tom Jenkins set for $360k pay rise after 2026 try-scoring feats​

Tom Jenkins is on track to break one of rugby league’s longest standing records after smashing one try-scoring record in 2026 - and it’s set to earn the $140,000 winger a bumper contract hike.

Dean Ritchie
@BulldogRitchie

2 min read
April 7, 2026 - 5:00AM
News Sport Network
https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/s...9dc29a03fbcdb289d37081bf7ba7f907?amp#comments
NRL: Penrith Panthers winger Thomas Jenkins has torched the Sydney Roosters, scoring 4 tries in his side’s dominant round 3 win.
He is the $140,000-a-year minimum-wage try scoring sensation poised for a massive pay hike at Penrith as rival NRL clubs circle.
This masthead can reveal Panthers winger Tom Jenkins joined Penrith from St Mary’s before last season on an $80,000 development contract before being upgraded to the minimum wage deal he is still playing under.
It is staggering to think Jenkins could be earning such a modest wage after scoring 12 tries in the opening five games this year.
Being on the NRL’s minimum wage means Jenkins is earning a tick over $3000 a game – this for the NRL’s leading try scorer.
The Panthers are getting incredible value from Jenkins, especially when you consider the highest earning wingers on this masthead’s last instalment of the Rich 100 list were Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and Zac Lomax on $650,000 a season while Penrith’s Brian To’o was next on $610,000.

Jenkins comes off contract this year, meaning he has been a free agent since last November.
No other player in the Australian rugby league’s 118-year history has scored more tries after the first five games of a season.
NRL club recruitment managers now predict Jenkins is now worth around $350,000 a year, that lifting to $400,000 if the winger comes deep in State of Origin contention.
That figures could jump another $100,000 if Jenkins secures selection for NSW.
Within six weeks, Jenkins’ value could increase to as much as $500,000 a season.
One club recruitment boss said: “Jenkins is like the stock exchange – his value seems to be changing every day.”

The left winger, nicknamed Milky, or the Milky Bar Kid by teammates, and his management team have been in deep dialogue with Penrith about a contract extension.
Jenkins is particularly close to Panthers coach Ivan Cleary and wants to remain at the club although big money offers from rivals might be tempting.
Penrith wants to retain Jenkins although the club is engaged in an ongoing salary cap battle, given their star-studded playing roster.
It is understood that three rivals NRL clubs have expressed interest in Jenkins.

Jenkins scored two tries in Round 1 against Brisbane, a further two against Cronulla in Round 2, four tries against Sydney Roosters a week later, two more against Parramatta after that and another two against Melbourne last Friday night.
That’s 12 tries in 400 minutes – a try every 33 minutes. Jenkins has scored 33 per cent of Penrith’s 36 tries this year.
His stocks seem to be rising weekly.

Jenkins, who has been studying finance at university, played at Penrith in 2022 and 2023, had a season in Newcastle before returning to the Panthers.
He wasn’t initially signed by Penrith after his Knights stint but came through St Mary’s, where he was spotted by Cleary, who pulled the winger into full-time training.
Jenkins wasn’t guaranteed any deal when he turned up to play at St Mary’s. He has played nearly double his NRL game tally in NSW Cup.

Not great for us but chuffed for Milky to get a payday. What an incredible story.

 

[MrBlack]

In another team he will be a good to solid NRL player.

On the end of our backline he is a genuine superstar. He will need to weigh that up when making a decision.

 

[martielang]

In another team he will be a good to solid NRL player.

On the end of our backline he is a genuine superstar. He will need to weigh that up when making a decision.

I originally thought the same, actually I originally thought he was absolute plod, but I've changed. He's comfortably an above average outside back regardless of what club he plays for.

 

[MrBlack]

I originally thought the same, actually I originally thought he was absolute plod, but I've changed. He's comfortably an above average outside back regardless of what club he plays for.

Amazing what a proper off season can produce in the right system (that and putting on 10kgs)

I really dont want to lose him, but he can be replaced.

 

[Wetcats]

Cant see Milk leaving yet. Money will be tempting but he has already learned how important the right situation is for a player.

 

[Oldpanther86]

Cant see Milk leaving yet. Money will be tempting but he has already learned how important the right situation is for a player.

He's also looking like the lomax replacement for origin so a nice $90k extra there

 

[Sime_11]

Cant see Milk leaving yet. Money will be tempting but he has already learned how important the right situation is for a player.

he spoke glowingly of the club 12 months ago when he returned

seems the type to know he's onto a good thing - wouldnt surprise me to see him take less that what other clubs are offering to remain at Penrith

very humble bloke our Milky bar kid

 

[Kilkenny]

There is no doubt he loves being at the Panthers.

He left a bit of cash on the table to leave Newcastle early so clearly it is not his main priority.

At the same time he has to secure his future and given his form, the possibility he may even be considered for Blues selection if he gets an offer to good to refuse I can’t blame him if he takes it.

It’s early days, we have 13 or so players coming off contract in the next season or so some of whom will be signing there last contract.

Clearly, we have a few players who will be looking to maximise potentially there last major deal and we can’t keep them all all. We are going to see some higher profile players leave that is the nature of the salary cap, it’s just a question of who?

 

[Kilkenny]

It has been suggested elsewhere that Kenny and Martin are two players who may test the open market.

I think it is in the best interests of our club to allow them to do so.

As much as I would like to retain them, if we do , it will come at a cost.

I think realistically we need to focus whatever available money we have on upgrading younger players, that is just the reality. It is going to be a huge balancing act in the next year or two. It is going to be a huge task for our retention and recruitment team to get things right.

 

[Chins]

It has been suggested elsewhere that Kenny and Martin are two players who may test the open market.

I think it is in the best interests of our club to allow them to do so.

As much as I would like to retain them, if we do , it will come at a cost.

I think realistically we need to focus whatever available money we have on upgrading younger players, that is just the reality. It is going to be a huge balancing act in the next year or two. It is going to be a huge task for our retention and recruitment team to get things right.

NRL360 has Nathan off to union......

Not hating on him but the Tago contract is the one we need to lose

 

[Black Panther]

NRL360 has Nathan off to union......

Not hating on him but the Tago contract is the one we need to lose

360 are a pack of wankers, it’s their job to make up stories though. It would be an instant leveller for the NRL if he did end up going though.

 

[Chins]

360 are a pack of wankers, it’s their job to make up stories though. It would be an instant leveller for the NRL if he did end up going though.

Not when we move Yeo to 7......

 

[Kilkenny]

NRL360 has Nathan off to union......

Not hating on him but the Tago contract is the one we need to lose

Nathan is not going to Union. That’s not going to happen mate. Most footy fans couldn’t name a single wallaby player, never mind a waratah player , there is such little interest in the game Outside certain demographic's. What knuckle head on 360 was promoting that non sense?

In respect of Isaac Tago if the club want him gone it would happen. There are plenty of clubs who would snap him up in a heartbeat without us even tipping in if we played hardball. It may still happen , I think it might, because his current salary would be invaluable in terms of other player retention. Maybe he needs a change of environment I don’t know but he has been putting in big time in NSW cup so to his credit he hasn’t turned his toes up.

 

[Kilkenny]

Nathan will almost certainly play out his career with the Panthers how ever long that may be.

Once his playing days are over he will be with Fox or Nine for life on big coin it is just a given. His dad will extend as well there’s many more successful seasons ahead.

 

[Chins]

Nathan will almost certainly play out his career with the Panthers how ever long that may be.

Once his playing days are over he will be with Fox or Nine for life on big coin it is just a given. His dad will extend as well there’s many more successful seasons ahead.

Both Nath and Yeo should have stands named after them as part of the next contract negotiations.
I'm not joking either, money can't buy that type of legacy.

 

[John Hamblin]

Benny Elias on NRL 360 said he had been told Nathan had been offered GBP1M a season to play in the Super League.