Panthers’ Martin Out for Broncos Clash Amidst Tough 2026 Draw
The Penrith Panthers will face a significant challenge when they travel to Brisbane to take on the Broncos on , as they will be without star second-rower Liam Martin. Martin has been ruled out due to a calf issue, a blow to the Panthers’ hopes of avenging their playoff defeat to Brisbane last season.
Coach Ivan Cleary announced Martin’s absence on Tuesday afternoon, confirming that the rep forward hadn’t recovered sufficiently to feature in the blockbuster clash. The Panthers are taking a cautious approach with the four-time premiership winner, anticipating his return in Round 2 against the Cronulla Sharks. Scott Sorensen and Luke Garner are expected to start in the second row against the Broncos, with Isaiah Papalii named on the bench.
The absence of Martin adds another layer of intrigue to a match already brimming with anticipation. The Broncos eliminated the Panthers from the finals last year, a result that clearly still stings for Cleary and his team. Cleary spoke on Monday about the poetic justice of facing Brisbane at the same venue where their 2025 season effectively ended.
“It’s quite romantic, you turn up to the place we lost, the same game, last year,” Cleary said. “I feel like it’s an honour for us.”
The Panthers will be looking to make a statement early in the season, and Cleary believes his team is well-prepared for the challenge. “We’ve been playing the large teams in the big games, it’s definitely something I feel like that we’ve earned. It’s something to glance forward to. I feel like in the past, our team’s been at our best when we’ve been playing big contests.”
Navigating a Tough Early Season Schedule
The Panthers face a demanding start to the NRL season, described by many as a “horror” draw. In the first six rounds, they are scheduled to play five teams that made the top eight in – the Broncos, Sharks, Roosters, Storm, and Bulldogs. This challenging run of fixtures will test the depth and resilience of the Panthers squad.
Adding to the difficulty, the Panthers won’t have a true home game until Round 4, when they face the Parramatta Eels. Due to ongoing stadium construction in Penrith, the team will continue to play their home games at CommBank Stadium. This lack of home-ground advantage in the early stages of the season could prove to be a significant hurdle.
Cleary acknowledged the difficulty of the schedule but emphasized the team’s focus on consistency. “We certainly highlighted a couple of things that we feel like will help us be a little more consistent when you’re navigating the early parts of the season,” he said. “To be able to have a good pre-season together as a team, we’re definitely feeling pretty connected.”
The Panthers’ struggles at the beginning of the season are still fresh in the minds of players and fans alike. After a disappointing start that saw them languishing at the bottom of the ladder after 11 rounds, they mounted a remarkable comeback to reach the finals. Cleary is determined to avoid a similar scenario this year.
Martin’s injury is a setback, but the Panthers have demonstrated a capacity to overcome adversity. The emergence of players like Sorensen and Garner will be crucial as they navigate this challenging period. The team’s ability to maintain its cohesion and intensity, despite the absence of a key player and a difficult schedule, will be a key indicator of their potential for success in .
The match against the Broncos represents an immediate opportunity for redemption. A win in Brisbane would not only avenge last year’s playoff loss but also send a clear message to the rest of the league that the Panthers are still a force to be reckoned with, even without one of their most influential players. The game promises to be a physical and emotionally charged contest, with both teams eager to establish themselves as contenders early in the season.
The Panthers’ ability to adapt and overcome challenges will be thoroughly tested in the coming weeks. Their early-season form will undoubtedly shape their trajectory for the remainder of the year, and the clash with the Broncos is a pivotal moment in their campaign.