Panthers 'under siege' as English clubs circle star

The Panthers are under siege again, with several English clubs eyeing star forward Scott Sorensen.

The Kiwi international has been a mainstay for Penrith since switching from Cronulla in 2021, featuring in all four of their premierships.

At 32, Sorensen still has a year to go on his current deal with the Panthers.

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But if he gets a long term offer from a Super League club, his management may ask for an early release.

"We could offer him a three year deal, the captaincy, a car and accommodation - a good package," one struggling Super League club boss told Wide World of Sports.

No talks have taken place at this point, and Sorensen - one of the game's most under-rated players - is happy at the Panthers.

He is a key man for the club because he turns up to play every week - and is not on the big money some of his teammates command that has made it tough for the premiers to juggle the salary cap.

Rival clubs have cut huge chunks in the Panthers' ranks in recent seasons, taking a host of star power - yet the Panthers keep finding ways to replace them… and win titles.

Watch the 2025 NRL premiership live and free on Nine and 9Now.

DISTURBING INCIDENT IN JUNIOR LEAGUE

There are many incidents of bad behaviour at junior league games that come across my desk - but one this week is next level.

At a junior carnival in Sydney recently, a player allegedly threatened to 'slit the throats' of two rival players.

The boys were all playing under 15s. The incident was reported to the ground manager and junior league officials but with no proof, it did not go any further.

But the two victims of the verbal abuse were so shaken that they have been undergoing counselling by a welfare manager. Sad times indeed.

WARRIORS REGULAR ON RADAR OF CLUBS

The rumours won't go away that Warriors fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad is set to move to Super League in 2026.

At 29, Nicoll-Klokstad has been targeted by several English clubs and could earn himself a rich last long-term contract.

The rumour has been fuelled by talk that the Warriors are set to make a play for Knights superstar Kalyn Ponga to return to the country of his ancestry.

Standby for plenty of player movement in coming months.

NEW BRAITH ON THE BLOCK FOR BULLDOGS

Exactly 25 years ago, a youngster named Braith Anasta made his debut for the Bulldogs, starting a long and successful career in the NRL.

A quarter of a century on, the Dogs have a new Braith - Braith Sloane. A 17-year Indigenous youngster from the bush town of Condobolin.

Sloane has created such an impression in the Harold Matts Cup that he has been given an upgraded and extended deal with the Bulldogs this week.

The speedy centre is currently a boarder at Newington College, where he has starred in the GPS rugby union competition.

Remember the name - although it's one that's hard to forget at Belmore!