The Penrith Panthers enter the 2026 NRL season looking to once again challenge for the title after falling just short in 2025, being eliminated by eventual premiers the Brisbane Broncos in the preliminary final. With a stable line-up and no major losses, the club will be aiming for premiership glory once again.
Season Preview
For the first time in five years the Panthers will not head into the new season as the defending premiers, however they finally have some stability after keeping the big name losses to a minimum since their reign at the top began.
Last season, a slow start saw the four-time premiers sitting in last place after 12 rounds, and any hope of returning to finals looked all but gone. A nine-game win streak helped them get back on track and surge into the top eight, and while they dealt with a late-season slide, they still finished in seventh position to ensure another tilt at the title. They cruised past the Warriors and the Bulldogs through the first two weeks before the Broncos overcame a 14-point deficit to end the Panthers’ season in the preliminary final.
With their best 17 likely to be nearly identical to a year ago, the Panthers should be pushing for the title once again. Depth could be an issue if injuries occur and through the Origin period, with important pieces in Brad Schneider, Daine Laurie, and Luke Sommerton among the departures.
Best Signing
Jack Cogger
The Panthers have been quiet on the signing front this off-season, but the return of Jack Cogger comes with plenty of benefits. Cogger will be the main cover for any injuries in the spine, but should also play the utility role off the bench. Schneider filled in admirably when required over the past two years, but Cogger should provide an upgrade, playing a key role in the 2023 Grand Final victory, his last game in Panthers colours.
Key Player
Dylan Edwards
The obvious answer here is Nathan Cleary, but Edwards is just as important. The star fullback had an inconsistent season by his elite standards in 2025. Normally reliable under the high ball and with ball in hand, some uncharacteristic errors popped up in key moments. The Panthers will need him to return to his best form to reach their lofty expectations in 2026.
Player to Watch
Blaize Talagi
Talagi took some time to find his feet at Penrith last year, but showed immense improvement as the year went on. Entering the second season of his new partnership alongside Cleary, that combination should only continue to grow. If Talagi takes another leap forward in 2026, and provides the spark in attack next to Cleary’s composure and organisation, the Panthers will be hard to stop.
Draw Analysis
The early rounds offer a tough stretch, with five finals teams across the first six games, including both of last year’s grand finalists.
The State of Origin period may have a major influence, with the team likely to be heavily affected again. Luckily, they should have an easier stretch of opponents across this block.
The run home features a mixed bag, with a trip to New Zealand on the cards in round 23 before games at CommBank Stadium in three of the final four rounds, with a trip to Melbourne to take on the Storm slotted in the middle of the run home.
Big Questions
- Is the squad deep enough to make it through the Origin period?
- Will depth be an issue?
- Can they start the season on the right foot?
Predicted Finish
Top 4
Related Items
- 🔁 2025 Season Review: https://rugbyleaguezone.com/penrith-panthers-2025-season-review-and-statistical-breakdown/
- 📅 2026 Draw & Fixtures: https://rugbyleaguezone.com/penrith-panthers-2026-nrl-fixtures-squad-list-and-player-signings/
