For the first time in years, the Panthers have not lost any big names at the end of a season and can build for the 2026 campaign with a sense of stability.
While fringe first-graders Asu Kepaoa, Soni Luke, Brad Schneider, Luke Sommerton, Daine Laurie and Trent Toelau headline the list of departures, the best 17 won't change all that much heading into the new campaign.
It's a positive for Ivan Cleary given the way his side started the 2025 campaign following the departure of five-eighth Jarome Luai to the Wests Tigers and elite prop James Fisher-Harris to the New Zealand Warriors.
The Panthers might be relatively stable heading into 2026, but Ivan Cleary still has questions to answer.
Here are the key ones.
Talagi, Cole or Cogger?
The Panthers have one half spot locked in, and the other most of the way there, but not without question marks.
Nathan Cleary will again start at halfback. He was instrumental in dragging Penrith off the bottom of the pile in 2025, and if Penrith are going to find success in 2026, he will again be crucial.
Beyond that though, Blaize Talagi is in pole position to partner Cleary after a strong 2025.
Jack Cole won't like that arrangement though given he was once tipped as the club's long-term five-eighth, while Jack Cogger brings experience to a second stint with Penrith, having previously played in 2023.
In truth, one of Cole and Cogger is likely to feature on the bench for the Panthers, which could be the club's key shootout ahead of the season getting underway.
