NRL 2023: Penrith Panthers young guns set to replace departing premiership winners

They may have claimed their third straight premiership, but the Panthers have once again bid farewell to some grand final heroes. These are the young guns in line the fill the gaps.

The son of Penrith legend Mark Geyer and Matt Burton 2.0 have been identified as the next generation of stars capable of carrying the Panthers to a stunning fourth consecutive premiership.

Club champions Isaah Yeo and Scott Sorensen have opened their black book to declare Penrith’s football factory is like nothing they’ve seen before.

Hard-running rookie forward Mavrik Geyer, 22 and five-eighth/centre Jack Cole, 20, lead the list of talent that will be called upon to maintain Penrith’s dominance of the NRL in 2024.

Cole has been described as the new Matt Burton because he arrived at Penrith from the same Orange CYMS junior footy club that Burton played, and also his similar versatility in the two positions.

Jack Cole is a bright prospect in the Panthers' lower grades. Picture: NRL Imagery

The 20-year-old is a frontrunner to replace Bulldogs-bound strike weapon Stephen Crichton.

Also set to emerge from Penrith’s production line, according to Yeo and Sorensen, are 22-year-old prop Liam Henry and Penrith SG Ball Player of the Year, Harrison Hassett.

Hassett, an explosive backrower, is viewed as a future NSW State of Origin player having been included in the Junior Blues training squad after representing the Australian Schoolboys and City Origin under-18s last season.

Not for the first time after title success, the premiers will be forced to deal with the departure in 2024 of a string influential figures from their grand final roster, including Stephen Crichton (Bulldogs), Spencer Leniu (Roosters), Jack Cogger (Knights) and Jaemon Salmon (Bulldogs).

But Yeo had no concerns Penrith would be struck off their lofty perch next season.

“It hasn’t been just a ‘click of your fingers’ thing,’’ said Yeo, who won the club’s best player award for 2023.

Teenage sensation Jesse McLean has a long term deal at Penrith. Picture: NRL Imagery

“The systems and development pathways have been coming for a long time.

“The club has worked really hard in recruitment, but (we’re) always watching our juniors to know what’s coming through.

“It holds you for sustained success.

“We’ve got Jesse McLean (winger) coming through. Jack Cole (five-eighth), Liam Henry (prop), Harrison Hasset (backrow) have played representative football coming through the grades.

“I’m excited to see the next crop. It’s going to be their time to step up.’’

Sorensen paid tribute to head coach Ivan Cleary for imploring leadership qualities on the youngest members of the team.

“Mavrik Geyer is one I’m keeping my eye on,’’ Sorensen said.

“I don’t know how they do it, or what they do, but the young crop that is coming through will get a few opportunities in the next few years, it’s exciting.

“If it’s in terms of extras, or sitting down doing video or in meetings and showing the younger boys the way, we all do that.

Panthers star Scott Sorenson has singled out Mavrik Geyer as a player to watch. Picture: Getty Images

“We’re very fortunate here that the young boys ask questions.

“The young boys want to know, they're hungry and they see the work that needs to be put in to be in the position we’re in.

“We're very lucky that Ivan Cleary is here and he’s instilled that in us.

“He‘s instilled that leadership starts at the bottom.

“Ivan needs a lot of credit for that. The culture here and the group we’ve got here, Ivan deserves a massive rap.’’

Panthers CEO Matt Cameron made the point of acknowledging that three of the club‘s hottest prospects are contracted until the end of 20206, including Henry, Cole and McLean.

“Liam has already made his first-grade debut,” Cameron said.

“He’s a great kid from Blayney who has come into our system.

Liam Henry is slated for big things at the Panthers. Picture: NRL Imagery

“Spencer (Leniu) won’t be there next year so this is a great opportunity for him. He has a big motor, is a hard runner and has the capacity to play on the edge.”

Cameron said Cole had the versatility to play centre and replace Crichton, while McLean‘s career could go beyond the NRL.

“Jack can play five-eighth or centre and would be in the mix for Stephen Crichton’s position,” Cameron said.

“I am not saying he will get it but he will be in contention.

“And then there’s Jesse who made his debut earlier this year against the Eels.

“He is clearly capable of playing first grade and at the elite level.

“Had a great season after being in the top 30 where he was in and around players that are playing week in week out.

“It showed him how to prepare each week.”

Originally published as NRL 2023: Penrith Panthers young guns set to replace departing premiership winners