Penrith Panthers Raid Rivals Again: Tigers’ Top Young Guns Peken and Goodfield Join the Reigning Champs
The Penrith Panthers continue to bolster their future pathways by poaching promising young talent from rival NRL clubs, with their latest acquisition being talented Wests Tigers prospect, Tyler Peken. A versatile back who can play centre, wing, or even in the halves, Peken’s potential was evident during his standout performances with the Western Suburbs Magpies in the Under-17 Harold Matthews Cup this year. He was also part of the Patrician Brothers’ Blacktown team that claimed the prestigious Peter Mulholland Cup at schoolboy level.
Peken’s move to Penrith follows in the footsteps of his Harold Matthews Cup teammate, Thomas Goodfield, who joined the Panthers back in August. Both players are set to join Penrith’s SG Ball Cup squad for 2026, playing at the Under-19 level. Goodfield, a rising star in the outside backs, was also highly regarded in the Tigers’ pathways system, making Penrith’s acquisition of both players a significant coup.
This trend of attracting top young talent from other clubs is a hallmark of Penrith’s recruitment strategy under coach Ivan Cleary. In addition to the Tigers duo, the Panthers have also made moves to secure five players from the Warriors’ successful NSW Cup-winning squad. Freddy Lussick, Kalani Going, Tom Ale, Toby Crosby, and Patrick Moimoi have all agreed to join Penrith, further reinforcing their depth for the future.
Penrith’s aggressive recruitment efforts highlight their commitment to maintaining their dominance in the NRL, building a future of high-quality players who can develop within their system. Meanwhile, the Tigers have suffered significant losses in their pathways program, with Peken and Goodfield’s departures a blow to their development prospects. As for the Panthers, they continue to stockpile young stars, creating a pipeline of talent that promises a bright future for the club.
