A potential NRL signing frenzy is looming around four premiership-winning Panthers stars, amid reports the quartet could be set to test the open market on November 1.
Kangaroos prop Lindsay Smith, plus fellow Penrith forwards Luke Garner, Scott Sorensen and Liam Henry are all off contract at the end of 2026 and are yet to agree new deals to remain at the Panthers beyond next year.
It means as things currently stand, the four Panthers forwards will be free to speak with rival clubs in less than three weeks’ time. That is of course unless any of them agree to extensions with Penrith before the November 1 deadline.
Four-time premiership-winner Sorensen has been consistently linked with a move to Mal Meninga’s Perth Bears, who enter the NRL in 2027. However, Meninga has hosed down such speculation and pointed out that he’s unable to speak with contracted players until the November 1 deadline, when Perth’s maiden roster build will begin in earnest.
Garner was linked with a move to the Dragons, Eels and Manly for next season after reports emerged earlier this year that Penrith were considering granting him an early release if he could find a longer-term deal elewhere. Ivan Cleary ultimately decided that he wanted the versatile Garner at the club in 2026, but it remains to be seen whether he’s part of the coach’s long-term plans.
Smith was recently named in Kevin Walters’ Kangaroos squad for the upcoming Ashes series in England, despite being overlooked for Laurie Daley’s NSW Origin squad this year. The 25-year-old prop is a nailed-on starter for the Panthers and would seem the most unlikely to leave the club out of the four players.
Liam Henry is set to test his value on the open market from November 1, with no offer yet tabled from the Penrith Panthers as he enters the final year of his deal.
He is expected to attract plenty of interest if not re-signed soon.
Lindsay Smith, Luke Garner and Scott Sorensen…
— NRLCentral (@centralNRL) October 9, 2025
While Henry looms as perhaps the most enticing prospect out of the quartet, having been named Penrith’s rookie of the year last season. Still only 24, Henry has put in some explosive displays off the bench for the Panthers over the last couple of years and his breakout 2024 season culminated in a deserved appearance for Penrith in last year’s grand final triumph over Melbourne.
