Penrith Panthers Return to Sydney as NSW Cup Stars Prepare for Action
The Penrith Panthers have arrived back in Sydney following their successful NRL season opener in Las Vegas, with head coach Ivan Cleary confirming that several members of the traveling squad will feature in the club’s NSW Cup side this weekend. After securing a hard-fought 22-16 victory over the Melbourne Storm at Allegiant Stadium, the four-time premiers are now shifting focus to the next phase of their campaign.
Cleary acknowledged that while the trip to Las Vegas was a historic and valuable experience for the team, it also presented logistical challenges, including recovery and squad rotation. As a result, several players who traveled to the United States but did not play significant minutes—or missed out on selection altogether—will be given game time in the NSW Cup to maintain match fitness.
“It was an amazing experience for everyone involved, but now we’re back home, and we have to manage the squad carefully,” Cleary said upon arrival at Sydney Airport. “Some of the boys who didn’t get much game time or weren’t used in Vegas will be running out in the NSW Cup this weekend to keep them sharp.”
Among the players expected to feature are young gun Jack Cole and forward Liam Henry, both of whom were part of the extended squad but did not play against Melbourne. Veteran outside back Paul Alamoti, who is pushing for a spot in the NRL side, is also likely to get game time in the reserve-grade competition.
Penrith’s NSW Cup side, which serves as a feeder team for the first-grade squad, will be looking to build momentum early in the season. The club has consistently developed top-tier talent through its depth, and Cleary’s decision to utilize the NSW Cup as a pathway for fringe players underscores the Panthers’ commitment to squad depth and player development.
The Panthers’ first-grade side will now turn their attention to their next NRL clash, with Cleary and his coaching staff closely monitoring player workloads after the high-intensity trip to the United States. Meanwhile, the NSW Cup team, bolstered by the presence of several NRL squad members, will be aiming to put in a strong performance as they seek to impress and push for first-grade selection in the coming weeks.
