NRL 2025: Panthers recruit Isaiah Papali’i opens up on Panthers switch

Panthers star recruit Isaiah Papali’i has opened up on how he will force his way into Penrith’s star-studded forward pack, as the club unveiled a new jersey for the season opener in Las Vegas.

Star recruit Isaiah Papali’i got an early opportunity to pull on a Penrith jersey this week as the Panthers unveiled the special strip they will wear when they open their season in Las Vegas next year.

Now he wants to make sure he jags one when it really matters in Sin City as he looks to use the pre-season to force his way into Penrith’s all-powerful forward pack.

The Panthers will play Cronulla as part of a double header to launch next season at Allegiant Stadium and they will mark the occasion with a jersey laced in gold.

The sponsors names will be in gold while the jersey boasts four gold stripes across the chest to honour the club’s four consecutive premiership wins.

The strip, which will double as their alternate outfit during the remainder of the season, also features two gold stripes on the sleeves to represent the club’s premiership wins in 1991 and 2003.

Penrith's Blaize Talagi and Isaiah Papali'i in the Panthers' Las Vegas jersey. Picture: Panthers

Papali’i, having endured two frustrating seasons at the Wests Tigers, now wants to create some history of his own. First of all he needs to lock down a spot in the Panthers’ back row given the competition for spots in the forward pack.

All three members of last year’s grand final back row will return – Isaah Yeo, Liam Martin and Scott Sorensen. Luke Garner is back as well.

“Obviously the success has been here for a long period of time now,” Papali’i said.

“I guess four years in a row for them and even the year before they were in the grand final. I think for me as a player coming into an environment that knows success and what it takes to win …. I guess I am just going to come in as a sponge and learn as much as I can.

“Coming from a tough two years beforehand, I think I can still add something to this year and I am looking forward to a challenge.

“I am pretty nervous, hey. It is a new journey for me. Coming to this club with such a rich history. I think it is good nerves to be honest.”

Wests Tigers player Isaiah Papali’i. Picture: NRL Photos

Papali’i will officially return to training on Thursday as he looks to hit the ground running in his quest to force his way into the Panthers’ star-studded side.

Fellow recruit Blaize Talagi has already begun training, although he is racing the clock to be fit for Round 1 after undergoing shoulder surgery.

Penrith talisman and captain Nathan Cleary isn’t due back until next week but he is also in a race against time to be ready for Round 1 after also undergoing shoulder surgery

“He is obviously a very big name in the game and he has that footy IQ, and knows how to control the team,” Papali’i said.

“I think I am looking forward to playing off him and a lot of the other boys who have been playing good footy for a long time now.

“That being hopefully my first jersey I’m pretty keen to get to wear it. It is a pretty cool idea for the first game. I saw the first time it happened this year, it looked pretty awesome.

“Once I get into the training, that’s when I will grow in confidence and create chemistry with the whole team and the club.

“All that pressure from myself coming into this good club will go away and everything will roll off the back of starting this week.”