Panthers Set For Roster Shake-Up as 10 Could Depart

The Penrith Panthers have reportedly signed another talented young playmaker from a rival NRL club, amid reports up to 10 players could depart the defending premiers in the off-season. Peter Lang of ‘The Western Weekender’ newspaper in Penrith reported on Tuesday that Haami Loza has agreed to join the Panthers from the Newcastle Knights.

The 21-year-old is highly regarded at the Knights and made his debut at NSW Cup level earlier this season. Lang wrote on social media: “Haami has plenty of potential and will no doubt thrive in the Penrith Panthers pathways system.”

It comes after the Panthers recently signed Keahn Skipps from the Canberra Raiders. Skipps captained the Raiders’ Jersey Flegg Cup team at Under-19 level, and also has plenty of big raps on him. Skipps and Loza will gain valuable tutelage under champion Panthers halfback Nathan Cleary, with Lang tipping them to battle each other for a spot in first-grade in the near future.

The Panthers appear to be replenishing their junior stocks and parting ways with some of their fringe first-graders. Cleary is under contract until the end of 2027, but there’s been constant speculation he might leave the Panthers to be closer to UK-based girlfriend Mary Fowler.

With Skipps and Loza joining, the four-time defending premiers have plenty of depth in the halves. Blaize Talagi has emerged as a gun five-eighth in 2025, while youngster Jack Cole is under contract until the end of 2026.

Panthers set for roster shake-up as 10 could depart

On Tuesday, Lang also reported that a number of the Panthers’ top-30 squad could be looking for new clubs. Back-up playmaker Brad Schneider has already signed with the Dolphins for 2026, while outside back Asu Kepaoa will be joining the Knights. Mavrik Geyer has signed with the Wests Tigers, while fullback Daine Laurie has been told his contract won’t be renewed.

Lang also confirmed a fan’s theory that the futures of Preston Riki, Harry Hassett, Soni Luke, Austin Dias, Zac Lipowicz, Riley Price and Luke Sommerton are under a cloud. Lang said Sommerton has been told he can look for a new club, and doesn’t expect the others to receive new contracts for 2026 either.

The most significant names on that list are Luke, Sommerton and Riki – who have all made appearances in first-grade over the last two years. Luke has played 26 NRL games for the Panthers and seven Test matches for Tonga, but has struggled to get regular playing time behind Mitch Kenny.

Sommerton is also a hooker who’s been stuck behind Kenny, playing just 10 games in first-grade since his debut in 2023. Riki has played two NRL games for Penrith, while Hassett made his lone appearance at NRL level earlier this season.

If the reports are correct, it appears the Panthers are set for a roster shake-up. The defending champs are constantly raided by rival clubs, but appear to be hitting back and snapping up some talented youngsters from other teams’ junior ranks. However they did cop some bad news earlier this week when 20-year-old back-rower Kayliss Fatialofa decided to backflip and remain at the Warriors despite initially agreeing to join the Panthers.