The Penrith Panthers are set to bolster their playmaking stocks, with reports confirming the signing of rising talent Haami Loza from the Newcastle Knights.
The move comes as the reigning premiers brace for the possible departure of up to 10 players in the upcoming off-season.
According to The Western Weekender’s Peter Lang, Loza has agreed to link up with Penrith after making his NSW Cup debut earlier this year. The 21-year-old is considered one of the Knights’ most promising young halves. Lang noted on social media that “Haami has enormous upside and is the type of player who will flourish in the Panthers’ renowned development system.”
The Panthers’ recruitment drive follows their recent capture of Keahn Skipps from the Canberra Raiders. Skipps, who captained the Raiders’ Jersey Flegg Cup side at under-19 level, arrives with a strong reputation and will now join Haami Loza in learning under the guidance of star halfback Nathan Cleary. Peter Lang suggested the pair could soon be pushing each other for a first-grade opportunity.
The signings signal Penrith’s intent to refresh their junior playmaking stocks while moving on from several fringe first-graders. While Cleary remains contracted until the end of 2027, speculation continues to swirl about a possible move abroad to be closer to his UK-based partner, Mary Fowler.
With Skipps and Loza on board, the four-time defending premiers have assembled impressive depth in the halves. Rising star Blaize Talagi has already cemented himself as a standout five-eighth in 2025, while Jack Cole is secured until the end of 2026, further strengthening the club’s long-term options.
Panthers set for roster shake-up as 10 could depart
On Tuesday, Peter Lang reported that several members of the Panthers’ top-30 squad may be searching for new homes. Back-up half Brad Schneider has already inked a deal with the Dolphins for 2026, while utility back Asu Kepaoa is bound for Newcastle. Mavrik Geyer has committed to the Wests Tigers, and fullback Daine Laurie has been informed his contract will not be renewed.
Lang also confirmed speculation from fans that the futures of Preston Riki, Harry Hassett, Soni Luke, Austin Dias, Zac Lipowicz, Riley Price, and Luke Sommerton are uncertain. According to Lang, Sommerton has been told to explore his options elsewhere, and the remainder are unlikely to be retained beyond this season.
Among those names, the most notable are Luke, Sommerton, and Riki, each of whom has featured in first grade over the past two years. Luke, capped 26 times for Penrith and seven times for Tonga, has struggled for consistent minutes behind regular No.9 Mitch Kenny. Sommerton, another hooker, has been limited to just 10 NRL appearances since his 2023 debut. Riki has made two top-flight appearances, while Hassett featured once earlier this season.
If accurate, the reports suggest the Panthers are preparing for a significant roster reshuffle. While regularly targeted by rival clubs, the reigning premiers appear to be countering by investing in promising young talent from other systems. Still, the club suffered a setback this week when 20-year-old back-rower Kayliss Fatialofa opted to backflip on an agreement with Penrith and instead recommit to the Warriors.
