In a stunning twist that has sent shockwaves through the NRL community, the South Sydney Rabbitohs are reportedly on the verge of completing a sensational signing — prying away one of the Penrith Panthers’ key stars ahead of the 2026 season.
Sources close to the negotiations have confirmed that talks between South Sydney and the player’s management are in the final stages, with the deal expected to be officially announced within days. The move comes as a major blow to Penrith, who had been fighting hard to retain their premiership-winning core amid ongoing salary cap pressures.
While the Rabbitohs have yet to make a formal statement, insiders suggest the club has been aggressively pursuing a marquee player to rejuvenate their roster following a disappointing 2025 campaign. The acquisition of a proven Penrith weapon — believed to be a representative-level forward or playmaker — would mark a massive coup for the Redfern powerhouse.
A senior Panthers official, speaking on condition of anonymity, admitted the club was bracing for the departure.
“We’ve done everything we can to keep him, but at the end of the day, every player has to make decisions that are right for them and their families,” the source said. “It’s tough — this one hurts.”
The Rabbitohs, under new head coach Jason Demetriou, have reportedly restructured parts of their roster and cap space to make room for the incoming star. The move signals South Sydney’s intent to climb back into premiership contention and restore the power and flair that once made them one of the NRL’s most feared sides.
NRL commentators have described the potential signing as one of the biggest inter-club transfers in recent years, drawing comparisons to the 2020 off-season when high-profile players switched allegiances in shock moves.
If confirmed, the deal would not only bolster South Sydney’s chances for 2026 but could also ignite a fierce new rivalry between the Rabbitohs and the Panthers — already two of the league’s most passionate fan bases.
“This would be a genuine game-changer,” one NRL analyst said. “Souths have been searching for that X-factor, and if they’ve pulled this off, they’ve just found it — straight from the heart of Penrith’s dynasty.”
An official announcement from both clubs is expected by the end of the week.
