The Penrith Panthers have officially unveiled their team list for the much-anticipated clash in New Zealand, marking yet another pivotal chapter in their 2025 NRL campaign. With anticipation high and stakes even higher, the Panthers’ traveling squad embodies both continuity and tactical shake-ups, showcasing Ivan Cleary’s unwavering commitment to both form and long-term development. The announcement came with the usual fanfare of “Team List Time ⏰,” but behind the emoji was a statement of intent—a blueprint for victory on foreign soil.
Penrith’s trip to face the New Zealand Warriors promises to be more than just another fixture; it’s a litmus test for depth, discipline, and resilience. The Panthers are looking to maintain momentum as they chase another finals berth, and this squad selection demonstrates that every choice has been calculated with precision. Familiar faces headline the list, but a few surprises add intrigue and open the door for new narratives to unfold.
At fullback, Dylan Edwards remains the beating heart of Penrith’s backline. His work rate, kick returns, and support play continue to set the benchmark across the league. Edwards’ consistency has become a defining feature of the Panthers’ era of dominance, and his inclusion, while expected, is still a critical component of the team’s hopes in New Zealand. He remains not just a steadying influence but also an attacking threat capable of flipping the script at any moment.
On the wings, Brian To’o and Sunia Turuva return to their posts with an unspoken mandate: dominate the yardage battle. To’o, with his trademark low center of gravity and punishing carries, will look to help Penrith exit their own half effectively and put the Warriors on the back foot early. Turuva, equally explosive, adds balance and finishing prowess, making Penrith’s back three arguably one of the most dynamic combinations in the league. Their ability to defuse high balls, break tackles, and provide quick play-the-balls will be instrumental in setting the tone.
In the centers, Izack Tago and Stephen Crichton retain their spots, giving the Panthers both defensive steel and attacking flair. Tago’s growth this season has been immense, with his hard lines, strong defense, and improved ball-playing making him a key cog in the Panthers’ attacking machine. Crichton, who will soon be off to Canterbury, continues to leave it all on the field. His aerial prowess, defensive IQ, and ability to deliver clutch plays make him a constant threat and a player to watch in this encounter.
The halves pairing of Jarome Luai and Nathan Cleary remains intact and unchallenged. This duo has orchestrated some of the most dominant performances in recent memory and continues to thrive on chemistry and instinct. Luai brings flair, unpredictability, and sharp support lines, while Cleary is the general—the strategist whose kicking game, composure, and leadership elevate the Panthers. Their partnership is not just about talent; it’s about understanding timing, space, and momentum. In hostile territory, their ability to control the tempo will be vital.
In the forward pack, Moses Leota and James Fisher-Harris lead the charge. Both have forged a reputation as enforcers who relish contact and thrive in the grind. Their go-forward will be essential in silencing the Warriors’ home crowd and winning the physical battle. Leota’s powerful runs and Fisher-Harris’ tireless work in both attack and defense give Penrith a solid platform from which to launch. These two set the tone, and their influence often dictates the team’s overall performance.
Hooker Mitch Kenny retains his spot in the No.9 jersey. While he may not grab headlines like some of his counterparts, Kenny’s reliability, service speed, and defensive grit are the glue that holds the spine together. His combination with Cleary and Luai has grown stronger with each passing week, and his ability to dart from dummy-half or hold up markers can help create space in the middle third of the field.
Liam Martin and Scott Sorensen occupy the second-row positions, bringing aggression, mobility, and a knack for timing their runs to perfection. Martin is a wrecking ball—both in defense and when charging at the line. His intensity is contagious, often lifting the players around him. Sorensen, meanwhile, has become one of the most consistent and underrated back-rowers in the league. His line running, ball-playing, and defensive reads offer the Panthers a complete edge-forward option who rarely puts a foot wrong.
At lock, Isaah Yeo once again pulls on the No.13 jersey, and with it, the weight of leadership. Yeo is more than a forward; he’s a connector. His ability to play as a third half, link with the spine, and control the ruck speed is unmatched. Yeo is also a workhorse on defense, regularly topping tackle counts and offering relentless effort from the opening whistle to the final siren. His presence in the middle will be crucial, especially against a Warriors team that thrives on second-phase play and forward momentum.
The bench selection adds further intrigue. Lindsay Smith, Spencer Leniu, Jaeman Salmon, and Luke Garner round out the interchange—a mix of power, versatility, and controlled aggression. Smith and Leniu bring punch through the middle, capable of maintaining the pressure and tempo laid by the starting front-rowers. Leniu, in particular, is known for his explosive impact and ability to lift energy levels during key moments. Salmon’s utility value cannot be overstated; he offers coverage across the backline and halves, ensuring flexibility in case of injury or tactical shifts. Garner provides depth in the back row and has shown he can handle extended minutes without a dip in performance.
The extended squad features a handful of promising youngsters and fringe first-graders, all eager for an opportunity. Their inclusion speaks to Penrith’s enviable depth and Ivan Cleary’s knack for nurturing talent. It also underlines the reality of a long season—one that requires rotation, rest, and readiness from the entire squad. Each of these players could be called upon at a moment’s notice, and history suggests they’ll be up to the challenge if required.
Penrith’s coaching staff has clearly studied the Warriors’ patterns, strengths, and weaknesses. Traveling across the Tasman is never easy, and Mount Smart Stadium can become a fortress when the crowd is behind the home side. The Panthers will need to manage the occasion with composure, especially during the early exchanges. Discipline will be paramount. The Warriors feed off momentum, and any lapses in concentration could prove costly. Cleary’s men know this and will likely approach the opening stages with a blend of aggression and patience.
The Panthers’ kicking game, led by Cleary, will also be critical. Finding space, forcing repeat sets, and turning the Warriors’ back three around will go a long way toward controlling field position. Look for Cleary to target the corners, apply scoreboard pressure early, and orchestrate structured sets that wear down the opposition.
This match also represents a reunion of sorts for several players and staff with New Zealand roots. It’s more than just a game—it’s a moment of pride and connection for the broader Panthers family. That emotional layer could offer added motivation for some within the squad, eager to shine on familiar soil.
With the Origin period still in full swing, managing player workloads becomes a priority. Penrith’s ability to balance star power with emerging talent is a testament to their recruitment and development model. Every player named this week understands their role, their expectations, and what it means to wear the jersey. That shared understanding and unity have carried the Panthers to sustained success—and it will be their most potent weapon in Auckland.
As match day approaches, the noise around selections, strategies, and key matchups will only intensify. But for Penrith, the message is simple: stick to the process, trust the system, and bring the intensity that has made them the benchmark of the modern NRL era. The squad named to face the Warriors is more than capable, and with leaders like Cleary, Yeo, and Edwards guiding the ship, the Panthers head to New Zealand with confidence, cohesion, and clarity.
The fans have seen this story before—a professional outfit, built on discipline and belief, heading into hostile territory with one goal in mind. Penrith’s latest team list doesn’t just announce who will play; it signals the continuation of a standard, a legacy, and a pursuit of excellence that shows no signs of slowing down.
