In a major blow to the Penrith Panthers and their loyal fanbase, two of the club’s most beloved stars — Liam Martin and Dylan Edwards — have confirmed they will part ways with the club at the end of the 2025 NRL season.
The departures are the result of mounting salary cap pressures, forcing the reigning premiers into tough decisions that will reshape the team’s core moving forward.
Martin, a hard-hitting second-rower known for his relentless energy and leadership, is reportedly finalizing a lucrative four-year deal with another Sydney-based NRL club. Meanwhile, Edwards, the Panthers’ dependable fullback and a 2022 Clive Churchill Medallist, is expected to head north to a Queensland team, believed to be the Brisbane Broncos.
Club CEO Matt Cameron acknowledged the emotional weight of the decision, stating:
> “This is not a day we take lightly. Liam and Dylan are not just exceptional footballers — they’re champions of our club culture. Unfortunately, the salary cap forces tough calls.”
Head coach Ivan Cleary also paid tribute to the pair, describing their impact on and off the field as “immeasurable.”
Both players have vowed to finish their Panthers journey on a high, determined to give everything for one final premiership push in 2025.
The exits of Martin and Edwards mark the end of an era for the Panthers, who have enjoyed historic success over the past few seasons. With change on the horizon, the club faces the daunting task of rebuilding without two of its cornerstone stars.
