Breaking News: The Penrith Panthers’ Nathan Cleary has officially announced his departure from the team because of…Read more
Penrith have created an NRL juggernaut in recent years, winning an amazing four premierships in a row.
The achievement is all the more remarkable given much of their side is either local talent from their junior pathways, or signings on cheap who have excelled in the environment.
The only drawback in a salary capped league is it’s impossible to keep all of their big starts; as a result the Panthers have been forced to lose the likes of Api Koroisau, Stephen Crichton and Matt Burton in recent seasons.
And the list of departures is set to grow once again.
The upcoming grand final against Melbourne was an emotional one for Panthers fans, as two of their longest serving and popular players played their last game in the famous black jersey.
Early on in the year, five-eighth Jarome Luai announced he would be leaving to become a marquee signing at the struggling Wests Tigers, joining former teammate Koroisau. He will also be joined at Concord by winger Sunia Turuva.
In the middle of the season, prop James Fisher-Harris shocked the NRL by announcing he was seeking an early release from his contract to return home to the New Zealand Warriors.
They are losing some younger players from their junior sides, too, with the likes of Jett Cleary – younger brother of Nathan Cleary – and Isaiah Iongi leaving the club at the end of the season, whilst Tyrone Peachey is retiring after having two stints at the club.
Penrith haven’t made too many signings, as they have prioritised re-signing their talented players and bringing through younger prospects.
Their two signings to date are fairly notable though, with second-rower Isaiah Papali’i joining after two underwhelming seasons at the Tigers.
They also have potentially found a potential Luai replacement, with exciting Samoan international Blaize Talagi joining from rivals Parramatta.
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