Penrith Panthers Eye Moses Mbye for NRL Return as Halves Cover Amid Super League Stint

The Penrith Panthers are reportedly exploring the possibility of signing former Queensland Maroons utility Moses Mbye to provide depth in the halves for the upcoming NRL season. Mbye, 31, has not played in the NRL since mid-2023, but his return to Australia is gaining traction following recent speculation linking him to a potential move.

According to Peter Lang from The Western Weekender, the Panthers have made inquiries regarding Mbye’s availability, with the club seeking to secure additional cover for star halfback Nathan Cleary. This follows reports that a Sydney-based club had previously approached Mbye about a potential return to the NRL, despite his current contract with English club St Helens, which runs through 2025.

The Panthers currently have one vacant spot on their Top 30 roster for next season, and Mbye, who has a history with coach Ivan Cleary from their time at the Wests Tigers, could be a strong addition. The veteran utility has played 194 NRL matches across stints with the Dragons, Wests Tigers, and Canterbury Bulldogs, and brings with him a wealth of experience, including a series of appearances for Queensland in the 2019 State of Origin series.

Although Mbye is still under contract with St Helens for the 2025 Super League season, it’s believed he may have an “NRL get-out clause” or that Penrith could negotiate a transfer fee to bring him back to the Australian competition. In 35 Super League appearances, Mbye has impressed, scoring 21 points and demonstrating he still has the ability to contribute at the highest level.

Penrith’s full 2025 squad is as follows:

Starting 13:

  1. Dylan Edwards
  2. Brian To’o
  3. Paul Alamoti
  4. Izack Tago
  5. Casey McLean
  6. Blaize Talagi
  7. Nathan Cleary
  8. Moses Leota
  9. Mitch Kenny
  10. Liam Martin
  11. Isaiah Papali’i
  12. Scott Sorensen
  13. Isaah Yeo

Interchange: 14. Daine Laurie
15. Liam Henry
16. Luke Garner
17. Lindsay Smith

Rest of Squad: 18. Jesse McLean
19. Riley Price
20. Preston Riki
21. Soni Luke
22. Harrison Hassett
23. Asu Kepaoa
24. Mavrik Geyer
25. Brad Schneider
26. Luke Sommerton
27. Luron Patea
28. Jack Cole
29. Matthew Eisenhuth (rumoured but not confirmed)
30. No player signed

2025 Development List:

  1. Billy Scott
  2. Trent Toelau
  3. David Fale
  4. John Sagaga

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