Rumoured & Confirmed Signings - Part 5

[Whino]

Kepaoa joins Panthers, Lisati departs​

Penrith Panthers can confirm that Asu ‘AJ’ Kepaoa will join the club, while Ativalu Lisati will depart the Panthers to take up an offer with another NRL club – both with immediate effect.


After being granted an immediate release from Wests Tigers, Kepaoa has signed with the Panthers until the end of the 2025 season.

24-year-old Kepaoa has played 42 NRL matches since making his first grade debut in 2020.


“We’re extremely pleased to welcome AJ to the club,” Panthers General Manager of Football Shane Elford said.


“AJ is a talented player who we believe will flourish in the Panthers system, and we have confidence this signing will have a positive impact on both him and our club.”


Meanwhile, 23-year-old forward Lisati will depart the Panthers after taking up an offer with another NRL club.


Lisati was a key member of the club’s NSW Cup team over the past three seasons and played an influential role in the side’s 2022 premiership victory.


“Valu has been a great player for our club over the past few years, and made a positive impact on those around him,” Panthers Rugby League CEO Matt Cameron said.


“On behalf of all at Panthers, I’d like to thank Valu for his service and wish him all the best for the future.”

Kepaoa joins Panthers, Lisati departs

Penrith Panthers can confirm that Asu ‘AJ’ Kepaoa will join the club, while Ativalu Lisati will depart the Panthers to take up an offer with another NRL club – both with immediate effect.

www.penrithpanthers.com.au

 

[Iamback]

It is a shame Lisati didn't work out but good to get some outside back depth

 

[Girds89]

I don't see how people don't realise this

Who doesnt realise it..

 

[Iamback]

Who doesnt realise it..

people bagging out a depth signing. Yes he has flaws but we need some sort of experience

20 odd games, Can play centre, wing, Backrow and 23 ticks a few boxes

 

[Vic Mackey]

I know why Ivan wants Kepaoa. A centre that plays backrow!

I reckon AJ goes alright, imo centre is his best position. Hes a big body who runs hard so Sheens tried him in the backrow but I always liked him at centre. Biggest issue is definitely his hands, been a bit better this year however still below standard for what you'd want in a first grader.

There's a lot of raw ability there though, hes aggressive and has surprisingly good footwork for a big guy. I have nothing against the bloke and hope he goes well for you.

 

[BossleyPanther]

M

I reckon AJ goes alright, imo centre is his best position. Hes a big body who runs hard so Sheens tried him in the backrow but I always liked him at centre. Biggest issue is definitely his hands, been a bit better this year however still below standard for what you'd want in a first grader.

There's a lot of raw ability there though, hes aggressive and has surprisingly good footwork for a big guy. I have nothing against the bloke and hope he goes well for you.

Some said that about Paul Alamoti

 

[The yak]

M


Some said that about Paul Alamoti

Some even whinge about Garner.
It not worth judging a bloke until he actually plays a couple of games for you.

 

[Iamback]

Some even whinge about Garner.
It not worth judging a bloke until he actually plays a couple of games for you.

The thing with players born in the 2000's are they missed a few years with Covid. So they are very raw still

 

[soc123_au]

I reckon AJ goes alright, imo centre is his best position. Hes a big body who runs hard so Sheens tried him in the backrow but I always liked him at centre. Biggest issue is definitely his hands, been a bit better this year however still below standard for what you'd want in a first grader.

There's a lot of raw ability there though, hes aggressive and has surprisingly good footwork for a big guy. I have nothing against the bloke and hope he goes well for you.

How is he defensively? I remember being impressed by a few things he did with the ball when he first came through for you guys, it's hard to tell with the D though given the issues across the team. Haven't paid enough attention to him to see if he is one of the problems or just stuck in a poor system.

 

[Iamback]

How is he defensively? I remember being impressed by a few things he did with the ball when he first came through for you guys, it's hard to tell with the D though given the issues across the team. Haven't paid enough attention to him to see if he is one of the problems or just stuck in a poor system.

No juniors hurts these guys. He looked ok from what I remember seeing

 

[WestyLife]

No juniors hurts these guys. He looked ok from what I remember seeing

He also did his ACL so even longer out.

 

[Iamback]

He also did his ACL so even longer out.

I forgot about that.

I'd rather a raw kid then Peachey or Garner.

He played 19 games last year so couldn't be too bad for an extended run

 

[BossleyPanther]

Some even whinge about Garner.
It not worth judging a bloke until he actually plays a couple of games for you.

I think our recruitment team can't be faulted, I agree with you.

 

[Vic Mackey]

How is he defensively? I remember being impressed by a few things he did with the ball when he first came through for you guys, it's hard to tell with the D though given the issues across the team. Haven't paid enough attention to him to see if he is one of the problems or just stuck in a poor system.

He seemed to struggle more with D on the wing as opposed to centre, however as you say that might be the system. For instance Id rate him over Talau as a centre, who seems to be going ok at manly

 

[BossleyPanther]

He seemed to struggle more with D on the wing as opposed to centre, however as you say that might be the system. For instance Id rate him over Talau as a centre, who seems to be going ok at manly

A great comment attached. Tigers need to play all their games at Campbelltown and have an experience coach behind Benj if they want to persist with him.

 

[Vic Mackey]

A great comment attached. Tigers need to play all their games at Campbelltown and have an experience coach behind Benj if they want to persist with him.

what are you talking about? i literally just said i reckon Kepaoa goes ok

 

[soc123_au]

A great comment attached. Tigers need to play all their games at Campbelltown and have an experience coach behind Benj if they want to persist with him.

Brooks at Manly has been talked up way above what he has delivered imo. Still the same player, just now there is enough there that he isn't really the focus. Talau has improved though.

 

[soc123_au]

He seemed to struggle more with D on the wing as opposed to centre, however as you say that might be the system. For instance Id rate him over Talau as a centre, who seems to be going ok at manly

Hopefully he goes ok. Worse case I'm hoping us signing him is enough to light a fire under Tago to snap him back into some decent form.

 

[BossleyPanther]

Brooks at Manly has been talked up way above what he has delivered imo. Still the same player, just now there is enough there that he isn't really the focus. Talau has improved though.

I think AJ will improve here and will probably see it more next season..

 

[BossleyPanther]

what are you talking about? i literally just said i reckon Kepaoa goes ok

Yes I'm not saying that at all.