Panthers rule out Galvin poach
Penrith is little chance of getting one back on the Wests Tigers, with the club not even considering entering the race for Lachlan Galvin – at least not yet.
The superstar teenager is leaving the Tigers at the end of 2026, sparking a frenzy over where he’ll land in 2027 and beyond.
Despite Penrith’s uncertainty over the five-eighth position, coach Ivan Cleary categorically ruled out chasing Galvin.
And that makes sense – however, while Penrith likely would struggle to find the cap space in 2027, things free up significantly in 2028 and beyond.
I guess you never say never? And let’s not forget the salary cap is a moving beast, especially after a not-so-successful season…
Cleary’s ‘I told you so moment’
Speaking of Penrith’s five-eighth conundrum, Blaize Talagi’s less than impressive outing in the number six number against the Dolphins last week only reinforced why Ivan Cleary coaches the team, and not people sitting on the couch at home with an Internet connection.
Cleary has been adamant for some time that Talagi is not ready to permanently play alongside Nathan Cleary just yet, and he was proven right last week. Talagi will get there, but there’s plenty of work to do. Cleary all but said ‘I told you so’ in the press conference last week but did his best to bite his tongue.
Talagi has retained his position for Saturday’s clash with the Roosters, but we’ll need to see some pretty strong improvement.
Spotted
Cowboys legend Johnathan Thurston attempting to kick a goal from close to the sideline prior to kick-off in the Panthers v Dolphins clash last Thursday night. 24 hours later JT was involved in that now infamous blow-up with former Penrith forward Spencer Leniu.
Spotted
Panthers CEO Matt Cameron and former Chairman Dave O’Neill deep in conversation at a lower grades match last weekend.
Bentley honoured
1991 Grand Final hero Col Bentley has been named as an Honorary Life Member of Panthers. Bentley played 114 games for the Panthers, and had a number of off-field roles in the years following his retirement.
Spotted
Panthers legend Greg Alexander arriving at the Panthers Rugby League Academy on Tuesday afternoon.
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Former Panther Viliame Kikau grabbing a bite to eat at El Jannah in Penrith last Thursday.
Best foot forward
Oxen has joined Panthers as the club’s official footwear partner. The international company will provide boots for the club’s junior players, kicking off a new partnership.
Panthers podcast
Just a reminder that The Western Weekender produces a weekly Penrith Panthers podcast. ‘Tension’s Running High’ hosted by Troy Dodds and Nathan Taylor lands with new episodes every Wednesday. Just search Western Weekender wherever you listen to podcasts, or visit https://www.westernweekender.com.au/podcast.
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