Panthers hunt back-up fullback
I’m told Penrith is in the market for a back-up fullback for 2026, with suggestions Daine Laurie won’t be with the club next year.
Laurie, who turns 26 later this month, is off-contract at the end of the season.
There’s been some talk around that Penrith could be interested in Tyrell Sloan, who is contracted to the Dragons next year but has been given permission to negotiate with other clubs.

Brandy drops out
Panthers legend Greg Alexander has bizarrely dropped out of The Daily Telegraph’s list of the top 50 influential people in rugby league.
Despite being a Board Member at four-time Premiers Penrith, holding court on a daily sports breakfast radio show and working on Fox League, Brandy couldn’t get a look-in this year.
Panthers halfback Nathan Cleary topped the list this year.
Another thing that wasn’t a surprise – The Telegraph opted to ignore Sydney’s other daily newspaper and its highly respected journalist Michael Chammas, leaving him off the list.
That probably wasn’t a shock, nor was the exclusion of Danny Weidler whose Sunday column rivals Phil ‘Buzz’ Rothfield – who managed to get himself to 17th on the list.

$3.5 million raised
Rugby league fans have joined forces to raise $3.5 million for the Mark Hughes Foundation (MHF) across an entertaining and action-packed Beanie for Brain Cancer Round. Strong crowds across the round ensured this year’s fundraising efforts topped the $3 million mark for a fifth consecutive season and eclipsed the $3.1 million raised in 2024, with over 130,000 beanies sold. It was great to see so many people getting behind the concept.
Panthers lose talented Taylah
The well-liked Taylah Murray has departed Penrith’s corporate team. Murray finished up on Tuesday after working extensively with the club’s sponsors over the last four years.
Book gets refresh
Popular rugby league book The History of Rugby League Clubs is getting a refresh. A third edition will be released, reflecting the ever-evolving landscape of the NRL – including the historic entry of the Dolphins back in 2023. The book is written by Ian Collis and local writer Alan Whiticker. Available for $59.99, via New Holland Publishers, in August.

Origin decider ahead
Isaah Yeo, Nathan Cleary, Liam Martin, Brian To’o and Dylan Edwards have all retained their spots in the New South Wales State of Origin team for next Wednesday’s decider. Lindsay Smith is also in camp with the Blues, being named on the extended bench.
There’s no question that Brian To’o is in doubt for the clash – he’s being closely monitored by the Blues with a final decision to be made this weekend. Jacob Kiraz is on stand-by.
Waiting game
Could it be that Panthers coach Ivan Cleary and co-captain Nathan Cleary are sitting back to see how next year’s Board election unfolds before committing to the club long-term?
There’s significant management shake-ups ahead at Penrith, with a new Group CEO to be appointed and talk that there will be plenty of hands up for Board positions early next year.
Spooked from his frosty period with Phil Gould, Ivan Cleary in particular puts importance on the club’s administration being in order.
Both Clearys are locked in until the end of 2027, but if we go into a new year without a fresh contract, their futures could emerge as the biggest story in rugby league next year.

Women’s campaign begins
The NSW Women’s Premiership kicks off this weekend with Penrith making their debut in the competition. The Panthers head to Woy Woy Oval to take on the Central Coast Roosters on Sunday at 12.15pm. Penrith’s first home game comes against the Rabbitohs on Sunday, July 13 at Blacktown Exercise Sports and Technology Hub in Rooty Hill.
Rolling up their sleeves
Panthers staff this week took part in the Battle of the West Lifeblood Challenge, donating blood as part of an important initiative. The Battle of the West blood drive sees a point added to either the Panthers or Eels tally every time someone donates blood as part of the initiative. Head to http://www.lifeblood.com.au to lock in a donation booking.

Cleary fronts video game
Panthers superstar Nathan Cleary has been locked in as one of the cover stars of the upcoming Rugby League 26 video game.
The game, out in late July, also features NRLW player Tiana Penitani on the cover.
Podcast
Don’t forget the weekly Tension’s Running High podcast, hosted by Troy Dodds and Nathan Taylor. Search Western Weekender wherever you listen to podcasts, or head to https://www.westernweekender.com.au/podcast.

Masked Panther
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