Panthers Eye NSW Cup Star Kalani Going After Warriors Exit
Penrith, NSW – Just days after his announcement to leave the New Zealand Warriors, Kalani Going, the celebrated captain of the 2025 NSW Cup premiership-winning team, has caught the eye of the Penrith Panthers. The 28-year-old’s stellar season, marked by exceptional leadership and consistent performance, culminated in him being named the NSW Cup Player of the Year.
Going led the Warriors’ reserve-grade team to an impressive finals campaign, securing both the NSW Cup title and the State Championship. His capabilities as a hooker, a position where the Panthers have occasionally faced depth challenges, further enhance his appeal.
According to Zero Tackle, the Penrith Panthers have identified Going as a key target. The Panthers are already set to welcome New Zealanders Tobias Crosby and Tom Ale next season, and the addition of Going could significantly strengthen their lineup with his proven experience and relentless work ethic.
After an early exit in this year’s Preliminary Final, the Panthers are anticipated to make strategic roster adjustments during the off-season to gear up for another premiership challenge. With seven spots still open on their Top 30 roster for 2026, acquiring Going would not only provide valuable depth but also inject crucial leadership into a team that, while rich in young talent, is keen to uphold its legacy of dominance.
This potential acquisition would be a well-deserved recognition for one of the NSW Cup’s most dedicated players and another astute move by Penrith’s savvy management team. The Panthers are looking to finalize the deal in the coming weeks, aiming to integrate Going into their squad as they prepare for the upcoming season.
