The defending NRL champions continue to reload their roster, snaring another talented youngster from a rival.
The Penrith Panthers have reportedly secured the signature of another promising young playmaker from a rival NRL club, at a time when speculation continues that up to 10 players could leave the reigning premiers in the off-season.
According to Peter Lang of The Western Weekender, 21-year-old Haami Loza has agreed to join Penrith from the Newcastle Knights.
Loza, who is highly rated within the Knights system, made his NSW Cup debut earlier this year and has been earmarked as a player with significant upside. Lang commented on social media:
“Haami has plenty of potential and will no doubt thrive in the Penrith Panthers pathways system.”
This latest signing follows the Panthers’ recent capture of Keahn Skipps from the Canberra Raiders. Skipps, who captained the Raiders’ Jersey Flegg Cup Under-19 side, arrives with a strong reputation and will now link up with fellow recruit Haami Loza in Penrith’s pathways system. Both young halves are expected to benefit from the guidance of champion halfback Nathan Cleary, with Peter Lang predicting the pair could soon be competing for a first-grade berth.
The Panthers appear to be refreshing their junior ranks while moving on from several fringe first-graders. Cleary remains signed until the end of 2027, though constant speculation continues to swirl about a potential move abroad to be closer to UK-based partner Mary Fowler.
With Skipps and Loza on board, the four-time defending premiers boast enviable depth in the halves. Rising star Blaize Talagi has already made a name for himself at five-eighth in 2025, while youngster Jack Cole is contracted through to the end of 2026.
Panthers set for roster shake-up as 10 could depart
On Tuesday, Peter Lang reported that several members of the Panthers’ top-30 squad could be seeking new homes. Back-up half Brad Schneider has already signed with the Dolphins for 2026, while outside back Asu Kepaoa is set to link up with the Newcastle Knights. Mavrik Geyer has committed to the Wests Tigers, and fullback Daine Laurie has been informed his deal will not be renewed.
Lang also backed up a fan’s suggestion that the futures of Preston Riki, Harry Hassett, Soni Luke, Austin Dias, Zac Lipowicz, Riley Price, and Luke Sommerton remain uncertain. He revealed that Sommerton has been told he is free to explore options elsewhere, and added that he doesn’t expect the others to be offered new contracts for 2026 either.
The most notable names among that group are Soni Luke, Luke Sommerton, and Preston Riki, all of whom have featured in first grade over the past two seasons. Luke has clocked up 26 NRL appearances for the Panthers and represented Tonga in seven Test matches, but has found consistent game time hard to come by while sitting behind Mitch Kenny in the pecking order.
Sommerton, also a hooker, has faced a similar challenge. Since debuting in 2023, he has managed just 10 first-grade games with Kenny firmly entrenched in the No.9 jersey. Riki has pulled on Penrith colours in two NRL matches, while Harry Hassett made his lone top-grade appearance earlier this year.
If the reports prove accurate, the Panthers look to be heading towards a roster shake-up. While the defending premiers are often targeted in recruitment raids by rival clubs, they’ve responded by securing several promising youngsters from opposition junior systems. However, the club suffered a setback earlier this week when 20-year-old back-rower Kayliss Fatialofa performed a backflip on his deal, opting to remain with the Warriors despite previously agreeing to join Penrith.
