The Penrith Panthers are confronted with a challenging situation as three of their star forwards—Lindsay Smith, veteran Scott Sorensen, and promising young player Liam Henry—are set to explore free agency. This development comes in the wake of a salary cap squeeze that could compel the Panthers to lose key players ahead of the 2027 season. As reported by The Daily Telegraph, these players will be free to negotiate with rival clubs starting from November 1.
The Panthers have experienced a gradual loss of talent in recent seasons, with the team losing at least one or two players annually during their remarkable run of four consecutive premierships. Following their exit in the preliminary finals of 2025, the franchise may face another significant setback. Last year alone, they lost James Fisher-Harris to the Warriors and Jarome Luai to the Tigers, which hindered their quest for a fifth straight title.
The current situation is particularly pressing since the team’s forward pack could be substantially weakened if they lose two or more of the aforementioned players. Although Smith, Sorensen, and Henry are under contract until 2026, the looming presence of the new Perth Bears in the NRL raises concerns. The Bears are expected to launch an aggressive recruitment drive, aiming to fill 30 roster spots, which could see them targeting the Panthers’ trio.
The Bears are reportedly eyeing up to ten players, including notable names such as Warriors halfback Luke Metcalf and Titans halfback Jayden Campbell. Should the Bears take inspiration from the Dolphins, who successfully attracted key players from the Storm, the Panthers could find their forwards at the center of a recruitment strategy aimed at building a competitive team from scratch.
Sorensen, who will be approaching the end of his career by the time his contract expires, appears to be the most likely candidate to join the Bears. At 33, his versatility in playing both in the middle and on the edge, combined with his robust defensive skills, makes him an attractive target. He may also consider offers from the Super League, but the potential financial package from the Bears could keep him in Australia, albeit on the West Coast.
Meanwhile, Henry’s recent performance as a bench player has elevated his market value. The Panthers’ financial constraints mean they may not be able to provide him with the salary increase he deserves, making it likely he will seek opportunities elsewhere. Smith, on the other hand, has an offer from the Panthers, but his value could increase significantly depending on his performance during the upcoming Kangaroos’ Ashes Tour.
The competition for the services of these three players is expected to be fierce, as numerous clubs will be eager to secure their talents. The Panthers face a daunting task in retaining Smith, let alone all three players, beyond 2026. With the potential for significant changes in their roster, the coming weeks leading up to the free agency period will be crucial for the club’s future strategy and stability.
