The Panthers continue to re-jig their roster for 2026, with Tom Ale from the Warriors set to join and the club also eyeing his teammate Toby Crosby. The four-time defending premiers are set for a roster shake-up this off-season, with a number of fringe first-graders free to leave.
Brad Schneider (Dolphins), Mavrik Geyer (Tigers) and Asu Kepaoa (Knights) have already signed elsewhere, while the likes of Daine Laurie, Luke Summerton and Soni Luke are all expected to depart. In recent weeks, the Panthers have made a number of significant moves to reload their pathways and depth.
They’ve snared three young playmakers in Keahn Skipps from the Raiders, Haami Loza from the Knights and Elijah Birve from the Sunshine Coast Falcons (in the Melbourne Storm system). And they’ve also snapped up promising teenager Thomas Goodfield from the Wests Tigers’ system.
This week it emerged that the premiers are also making big moves to try and lure one of the Warriors’ most promising talents. After missing out on 20-year-old back-rower Kayliss Fatialofa, who backflipped after initially agreeing to join Penrith, the Panthers are now reportedly eyeing Crosby.
Described as “one of the most highly touted forward prospects”, Crosby is a middle forward and one of the Warriors’ most promising emerging talents. Zero Tackle is reporting that Penrith have set their sights on the young forward in the hope of convincing him to head across the ditch.
Crosby has made his way through the ranks at the Warriors and made his debut at NSW Cup level this season. He only switched to league from union in 2023.
“Everything was there in Wellington (school rugby) for me, like family, friends, I had a job, and footy was going alright there,” Crosby said previously. “It was a risk, and it’s paid off for me, so it’s going to pay off for anyone else as well.”
Panthers continue to raid Warriors
The Panthers have also reportedly nabbed Ale from the Warriors. The 26-year-old has played 42 first-grade games for the New Zealand club since debuting in 2020, but struggled to cement his spot at NRL level.
The Panthers have reportedly taken a punt on the versatile forward in the hope a change of scenery will see him fulfil his potential. While the move hasn’t been confirmed, Ale has reportedly told teammates he’ll be at Penrith next year.
Crosby, Ale and Fatialofa have all contributed to the Warriors’ 21-game winning streak in NSW Cup. It’s the record for most-consecutive wins in the NSW reserve-grade competition.
Cleary family’s connection to New Zealand
Panthers coach Ivan Cleary has clearly taken note, with Penrith officials making a number of recent poaching moves across the ditch. Cleary played 53 games for the Warriors during his career and started his head-coaching journey there, leading the club from 2006 to 2011.
Youngest son Jett Cleary was born in Auckland and signed with the Warriors last year. The young halfback has moved up from Jersey Flegg to NSW Cup level this season, and is seemingly closing in on a first-grade debut.
With one round remaining in the regular season, the Panthers and Warriors are shaping as first-round opponents in the finals. If they remain sixth and seventh respectively, the Warriors would host the Panthers in an elimination final in Auckland.
