Penrith reunion on cards for Cogger
Cogger, who joined Newcastle on a two-year deal, has reportedly held talks with the Panthers over a 2026 return. The 26-year-old was a reliable back-up in Ivan Cleary’s system during his previous stint and could return to the foot of the mountains with Brad Schneider poised to head north.
According to The Newcastle Herald, the Knights have already “tapped him on the shoulder”, potentially freeing up salary cap space for other reinforcements.
Schneider’s anticipated move to Redcliffe would see him link up with Wayne Bennett’s Dolphins in pursuit of a starting role. His arrival would clear the path for Sean O’Sullivan to join Canterbury, as the Dogs search for an experienced foil to partner rising talents Lachlan Galvin and Mitchell Woods.
The Daily Telegraph reports the swap is being finalised behind the scenes, with all three clubs viewing the deals as strategic upgrades rather than stopgap fixes.
A rare four-club shake-up is in motion ahead of the 2026 NRL season, with three experienced halfbacks, Jack Cogger, Sean O’Sullivan and Brad Schneider, at the centre of an expected summer reshuffle.
The unusual transfer tangle could see Newcastle’s Cogger return to Penrith, where he helped deliver premiership depth in 2023, while Schneider plots a switch to the Dolphins.
O’Sullivan, meanwhile, is being linked with a move to the Bulldogs, who are on the lookout for a steady hand to guide their emerging halves.
