Panthers secure man-mountain Toby Crosby as NRL’s raid on New Zealand talent continues
Panther’s new specimen Tom Crosby is just one of a number of rising Kiwi stars signed by NRL teams, with the Eels and Knights also getting in on the trans-Tasman action.
Canterbury mean business when it comes to their halves, locking down yet another promising youngster as the Bulldogs’ stocks of quality playmakers piles up.
The Panthers too have continued to build impressively for the future, carrying out further raids of New Zealand’s best emerging forwards, landing barnstorming Warriors prop Toby Crosby.
Crosby is already in the thick of it in pre-season training after Penrith already snagged Tom Ale and Kalani Going from across the Tasman.
Over in New Zealand, rugby convert Dru Faletolu has likewise also shifted from east to west, joining the ever growing list of up and coming prospects to join rugby league.
Meanwhile, the younger brother of a familiar footballing name has reportedly made a likewise move from the east in a bid to make his own mark in the years to come.
The off-season transfer market has been buzzing after nearly a month of the free agency window opening up, with sides still looking to sure up their reserve ranks for the future.
Here are four more young guns that have made big off-season choice in the hopes of paving the road to the top of rugby league.
Toby Crosby (Warriors → Panthers)
A prop that can bump off tackles with ease and run the length of the field. That should be enough said for any team to get the pen and paper out.
And it’s exactly what forward Toby Crosby sensationally did in 2025 against the Rabbitohs, just one of the spectacular moments that caught the eye of many clubs before Penrith managed to snatch him up.
Crosby was an invaluable member of the Warriors’ NSW Cup-winning side this season, boasting hard running line, tackle busts and a low missed tackle count in 23 appearances.
The hulking 22-year-old has reportedly signed a deal with the Panthers until the end of 2027, coincidentally the same time Moses Leota and Isaiah Papali’i are off contract.
He may very well be at the head of Penrith’s succession plans in the forwards.
Joseph O’Neill
While Mitchell Woods is the Bulldogs’ No.7 on everyone’s radar, Canterbury fans will be quietly and equally happy their club is stocking up more halves options.
O’Neill has been secured by the club after successive strong seasons for the Bulldogs’ NSW Cup side.
The Berala Bears junior has a knack for taking on the line with a sharp running game, drawing in defenders and putting his outside men over the tryline.
An equally impressive halfback as Woods in some eyes, Canterbury boss Phil Gould confirmed O’Neill won’t be going anywhere after upgrading him from a development deal to a top-30 spot in 2026.
Dru Faletolu (NZ Rugby → Eels)
Parramatta have joined the party of NRL clubs snatching up junior rugby union talent with Dru Faletolu.
The powerful youngster earlier this year was in full rugby mode, among the Hurricanes under-18s regional development squad, and earlier in his career with the Rebels under-16s.
Also hailing from the famed Wellington College, the powerful loose forward was part of the first XV side in this year’s grand final against St Patrick’s Silverstream, but is now switching sides of the Tasman and codes to apply his trade in rugby league.
With the ability to bump defenders and tear through the defensive line, the move shouldn’t be a difficult one by any stretch.
Parramatta’s 2026 SG Ball squad was all but wrapped up until Faletolu came on their radar, joining their ranks as what could be one of the NRL’s most powerful future backrowers.
Tallan Egan (Warriors → Knights)
The younger brother of talented Warriors hooker Wayde Egan, Tallan is set to take his skills back to his home state.
The versatile talent has reportedly signed with Newcastle in a deal that will see him form part of their Jersey Flegg (under-21s) side in 2026.
Egan is comfortable at fullback, winger or five-eighth and has been in New Zealand alongside brother Wayde for the last few seasons, with his most notable moment being a 13-minute hat-trick against the Kaivati Silktails.
He has expressed a desire to play alongside his brother at the Warriors, but could find a clearer path to first grade in the coming years as he makes the next push for NSW Cup.
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Originally published as Panthers secure man-mountain Toby Crosby as NRL’s raid on New Zealand talent continues
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