With at least 10 players coming off contract at Penrith at the end of the season, I ran my eye over the list and believe the club must re-sign at least four of these players and bring in one from outside the club to help improve it further.
The priority has to be to re-sign Daine Laurie. Laurie is a quality first grader who adds plenty of impact when he’s on the field no matter what position he comes on to play.
Last Friday he provided a wonderful spark of energy when Dylan Edwards came off injured late in the game.
His kamikaze-like charges into the defence when returning the ball from the back of the field were brilliant and it made sure the team started the rest of the set on the front foot.
Laurie can play wing, centre and even five-eighth if required. He is the team’s ‘Mr Fix It’ and what a spark he provides.
Although Edwards is a brilliant generational-type player, I’m sure Laurie will do a fantastic job in his absence over the next few weeks.
He’s currently without a contract for 2026 and unless Penrith want to get into a bidding war for his services, they should offer him a new contract and fast.
Before I name the other two players, here are the 10 coming off contract at the end of 2025: Mavrik Geyer, Harrison Hassett, Asu Kepaoa, Daine Laurie, Soni Luke, Riley Price, Preston Riki, Brad Schneider, Luke Sommerton and Thomas Jenkins.
The second player I’d re-sign is Mavrik Geyer. I saw enough of him in first grade last year to see that he deserves an extension. He runs hard, tackles well and has a high work-rate.
I can’t see him as a prop, like the club was hoping he’d become a few years ago, but he’s starting to develop as a backrower. His upside is just too high to let him go.
My third pick is Luke Sommerton. He’s an excellent hooker and a terrific backup to Mitch Kenny.
Sommerton looks like he’s taken a more senior role in the club this year and he has all the skills necessary to take over the dummy half role if Kenny is ever unavailable.
He knows the systems and has played enough top grade footy to show he can transition into the NRL line-up without too much disruption.
Finally, and if you read my column last week, you’ll know who my fourth pick is.
Yes, it’s the ‘redemption man’ himself, Thomas Jenkins.
Jenkins has been nothing short of outstanding since his return to the club and he’s already tipped to be in the final 17 against the Storm on Thursday.
It shows how highly coach Ivan Cleary regards him.
OK now the player I’d bring back from outside the club is Sean O’Sullivan. I know he’s not a marquee signing but seriously, I think O’Sullivan is ready to return to Penrith and be the backup half or five-eighth again.
He’s off contract, knows the Panthers system and would replace Brad Schnieder who, has had his moments, but not worked out as well as the club had hoped.
At 26 years of age, O’Sullivan also has plenty of upside.
Something to think about!
Peter Lang
Peter Lang is an experienced sports writer, who has been covering rugby league for several decades. He first wrote Lang on League for the Weekender in the 1990s, and worked for Panthers on its famous Panthers Magazine for several years.