Penrith Panthers head coach Ivan Cleary has confirmed a number of notable updates to his squad ahead of the highly anticipated Round 22 NRL clash with the Gold Coast Titans this Saturday at Cbus Super Stadium. The announcement arrives at a pivotal juncture of the 2025 NRL season, as teams begin jockeying for key positions in the finals race, and for the defending champions, any changes to the playing group are bound to attract attention given their sustained dominance in recent years.
As the Panthers gear up for another critical road game, Cleary’s adjustments to the lineup reveal not only the strategic depth of Penrith’s coaching staff but also the evolving nature of the team’s injury management, form selections, and tactical preparations in the back half of the season. One of the headline changes to the squad this week is the return of superstar halfback Nathan Cleary, who has completed his rehabilitation from a minor hamstring complaint that sidelined him for the last two rounds. His comeback provides a significant boost to the Panthers’ structure and leadership on the field, as his absence had placed added playmaking pressure on five-eighth Jarome Luai and fill-in options in the spine. Nathan’s availability not only restores balance to Penrith’s attack but also brings back one of the NRL’s most tactically gifted minds just in time for the club’s push toward a top-two finish.
The inclusion of Cleary comes after the Panthers’ narrow victory last week over the Dolphins, a match that showcased grit but also highlighted a lack of fluency in set completion and decision-making in crucial moments. With Cleary back directing traffic, there’s renewed confidence among fans and pundits alike that Penrith can rediscover the clinical precision that has defined their dynasty across recent seasons. Coach Ivan Cleary confirmed his son’s return in a Tuesday press conference, stating that Nathan had trained strongly during the week and had met all performance markers in consultation with the club’s medical and high-performance staff. His reintegration was described as “a matter of timing and caution,” with the club clearly favoring long-term health over short-term risk.
Elsewhere in the squad, there have been a few strategic rotations that reflect both form considerations and forward planning as the Panthers look to manage workloads ahead of the finals. Dylan Edwards retains his spot at fullback, a decision that reflects the club’s unshakable belief in his consistency and defensive reliability. Edwards, who has once again emerged as one of the league’s most undervalued contributors, will be tasked with defusing Gold Coast’s kicking game and kickstarting Penrith’s sets from the backfield—a role he has quietly perfected with minimal fanfare.
In the centres, Izack Tago and Taylan May continue their combination after a strong outing against the Dolphins. Tago, in particular, has been impressive in recent weeks, showing renewed confidence with ball in hand and a willingness to take on defenders one-on-one. His defensive reads have also sharpened, something that will be crucial against a Titans side that thrives on shifting the ball wide early in the tackle count. On the wings, Brian To’o and Sunia Turuva retain their spots, offering the Panthers elite yardage out of trouble and unmatched energy in both attack and kick-chase situations. To’o’s work rate has once again been a standout feature in 2025, as he leads the team in post-contact metres and regularly swings momentum with his carries.
The forward pack sees the return of key prop James Fisher-Harris, who was given a week off for rest and recovery. Fisher-Harris’ physicality through the middle third is a vital component of Penrith’s go-forward, and his presence will be a welcome addition against a Titans pack that has shown signs of improvement under their interim coaching structure. He’ll partner Moses Leota in the front row, forming a combination that has set the platform for Penrith’s success over the last three seasons. In the second row, Liam Martin and Scott Sorensen continue their duties, with both players bringing a high work ethic and line-running ability. Isaah Yeo, the team’s on-field general in the middle, resumes his usual role at lock. Yeo’s combination with Cleary and Luai is arguably the most intelligent and cohesive spine-forward trio in the competition, and his link play between the forwards and backs will be key in dissecting a Titans defensive line that can be vulnerable in transition.
The interchange bench includes Soni Luke, Spencer Leniu, Lindsay Smith, and Luke Garner, offering Cleary a blend of explosiveness, versatility, and defensive steel. Luke provides dummy-half spark, while Leniu is expected to play his typical high-impact role through the middle. Smith’s inclusion reflects his steady growth across the season as a dependable option for long minutes, and Garner’s selection offers insurance across multiple positions in the pack. Notably omitted this week is Jack Cogger, who filled in admirably during Nathan Cleary’s absence but makes way with the halfback’s return. Ivan Cleary made a point of praising Cogger’s professionalism and contributions, stating that depth in the halves remains one of the club’s strengths should any setbacks arise in the coming weeks.
Looking across at the opposition, the Titans have made some interesting selections of their own, with young playmaker Tom Weaver again named at halfback and AJ Brimson shifting back to fullback. Their attacking weapons—particularly David Fifita and Moeaki Fotuaika—will test Penrith’s edge and middle defense, especially in transition sets. But the Panthers remain overwhelming favorites heading into the clash, with the bookmakers and most analysts backing the reigning premiers to not only win but to do so with a margin that reinforces their status as a dominant force in 2025.
That said, the Panthers will not be underestimating the Titans. Gold Coast, despite sitting outside the top eight, have shown flashes of resilience and attacking brilliance, especially when given time and space. Ivan Cleary emphasized in his comments that discipline, patience, and defensive focus would be central themes heading into the match, particularly as the team looks to avoid complacency against a side that thrives in chaotic situations. The message from the coaching staff this week has been about “playing the full 80,” a reflection of some recent dips in intensity during second halves that have allowed lesser sides to hang around longer than necessary.
This weekend’s contest also holds implications beyond the two competition points. With only a few rounds remaining before finals, match fitness, cohesion, and psychological readiness are just as important as the ladder standings. The return of Nathan Cleary not only strengthens Penrith’s short-term outlook but also gives them the chance to fine-tune combinations ahead of what is expected to be a fiercely competitive finals series. Players like Luai and Yeo will benefit from the restored spine dynamic, and the outside backs will look to capitalize on the additional space created by Cleary’s manipulation of defensive lines.
It’s also worth noting that this clash presents a rare opportunity for Penrith to showcase their depth and culture on the road. Cbus Super Stadium has not always been the kindest of venues to travelling teams, but the Panthers have built a reputation for imposing their game regardless of location. Their traveling fanbase, now larger and more vocal than ever, is expected to make its presence felt, adding to what should be an electric game-day atmosphere on the Gold Coast.
In terms of broader narrative, Penrith’s 2025 campaign is beginning to mirror the script of previous years: a midseason period of adjustment followed by a surge in performance as the finals draw closer. Ivan Cleary’s ability to manage egos, integrate young talent, and evolve the side’s tactical dimensions has kept the Panthers ahead of their challengers. The reintegration of their star halfback is just the latest chapter in a season that continues to show signs of culminating in yet another deep finals run.
The club’s administration and coaching staff have long emphasized sustainability, both in roster construction and in performance standards. With emerging players continuing to be developed within the system, Penrith is not only playing for 2025 silverware but also setting the foundation for years to come. Games like this weekend’s provide critical experience and benchmarks for younger players, while also allowing veterans to reassert their influence. The leadership group—anchored by players like Yeo, Cleary, and Fisher-Harris—will be pivotal in maintaining the team’s high standards over the next month.
In summary, Ivan Cleary’s squad announcement for Round 22 is more than just a list of names—it’s a statement of intent. With Nathan Cleary returning, Fisher-Harris refreshed, and the backline humming with purpose, the Panthers look every bit the juggernaut they’ve been for the past four seasons. Saturday’s game is expected to test their sharpness and discipline against a Titans outfit with little to lose and everything to prove. But if Penrith’s recent form, strategic planning, and squad depth are anything to go by, fans could be treated to another masterclass in premiership-caliber football. The road to September is getting shorter, and the Panthers are beginning to gather momentum at precisely the right time.
