Jack Cogger has watched from afar as his former club the Newcastle Knights turned their fortunes around, with the Panthers playmaker admitting it has been pleasing to see his junior club finding success again.
Cogger, who was part of Penrith's 2023 premiership-winning side, returned to Newcastle in 2024 after initially making his NRL debut with the Knights.
He spent the 2024 and 2025 seasons back at his junior club, but endured a difficult 2025 campaign as Newcastle finished with the wooden spoon after winning just six games.
Cogger returned to Penrith this season, but continues to hold his former club in high regard and recognises the impact their resurgence has had on the local community.
“It's really cool. I obviously still have so many friends up there, and it's good to see them so happy and playing good footy," he told Zero Tackle.
“It was a tough 12 months last year, but they are definitely on the right track.
“Phoenix Crossland and Mat Croker are probably the standouts. They are a couple of years younger than me but came through the system as well and played in the 20s together. They have really found their feet and are leaders in that team now”
While Newcastle have enjoyed a significant turnaround, Cogger has also found himself back in a familiar environment at Penrith, where he has gradually worked his way into a more prominent role.
“Plenty of things have made me happy with returning here,” he admitted.
“You know there is a coach that believes in me, obviously a strong system that has been proven over a number of years. So being able to fit into that system and feel valued makes you feel good and play better.”
Cogger spent the opening eight games of the season on the bench before being handed his first start in Round 13, filling in at halfback while Cleary rested due to State of Origin duties.
He helped the Panthers secure a 20-18 victory over the Warriors before continuing to feature in the halves, starting in four of his next six appearances.
More recently, Cogger has been favoured at five-eighth alongside Cleary, with Blaize Talagi having occupied the position for the majority of the season.
His versatility was again on display against the Roosters, with Cogger shifted into the hooking role late in the contest as Talagi was introduced to provide some fresh spark.
While the Panthers could not find a way to overturn the deficit, Cogger reiterated that he is willing to play wherever he is required.
“I have done it a couple of times this season, but it was a bit different when you are playing the majority of the game not in hooker. But I will always do whatever has to be done.” Cogger said.
Whilst Cogger has just returned on a three-year deal, he is set to say goodbye to multiple teammates, with Brian To'o being the latest confirmed departure as he joins the PNG Chiefs from 2028.
To'o will become the Chiefs' sixth signing, with the Panthers winger agreeing to a three-year deal.
While the departure will eventually leave another significant hole in the Penrith squad, Cogger understands To'o's decision and believes the club can send him out on a high.
“You never like to lose good players but, at the same time, I understand his decisions and how it can set his family up for life,” he admitted.
“It's disappointing, but we are lucky we've got him for another 18 months and hopefully can send him out on a high.”
Attention has also turned to the future of Cleary, with speculation continuing to surround the Panthers captain and suggestions that the PNG Chiefs could target him as their infamous 007 signing.
Cleary's younger brother Jett has also requested a release from the Warriors to join Penrith next season, while Isaah Yeo and Liam Martin will enter the open market from November 1.
Despite the growing uncertainty around the Panthers' future roster, Cogger insists the playing group is not allowing it to become a distraction.
“It's just about focusing on the now and not what might happen later on”
That focus will be particularly important as Penrith look to reclaim the minor premiership following their recent fall from top spot for the first time since Round 4.
The Panthers still have three games remaining in the regular season, with clashes against the Melbourne Storm, Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs and Wests Tigers to come.
With the race for the minor premiership still alive, Cogger and Panthers will be hoping to finish the regular season strongly before turning their attention towards September football.
