Trent Toelau Shines in Trial Game, Boosting Penrith Panthers Fansโ Confidence for 2025 Season
Penrith Panthers fans are feeling optimistic for the upcoming NRL season, and a standout performance from young halfback Trent Toelau during the recent trial game has only fueled that confidence. With the team missing star playmaker Nathan Cleary, who was away preparing for the NRL season opener in Las Vegas, it was the opportunity for Penrith’s young guns to showcase their talent. And Toelau, in particular, took full advantage of the spotlight, leaving fans excited about the future of the club.
The Panthers came away with a dominant win over the Manly Sea Eagles on Friday, a match where Penrith’s young players, many of whom had little NRL experience, showed their potential. Coach Ivan Cleary fielded a highly inexperienced side, with the first-team stars like Cleary heading to Las Vegas for the NRL season opener. This allowed the likes of Toelau, along with other emerging players, to take center stage.
Toelau, wearing the No.7 jersey, proved to be the standout performer of the match. Despite only six players on the field having NRL experience, Toelau controlled the game with maturity and poise beyond his years. His kicking game was particularly impressive, with pinpoint accuracy that caught the eye of both fans and commentators alike. In Clearyโs absence, Toelau showcased a skillset that mirrored the style of the Panthers’ star halfback, leaving fans excited about what the future could hold for the young playmaker.
Currently, Toelau is behind the likes of Blaize Talagi, Brad Schneider, and Jack Cole in the pecking order for the Panthers’ halves spots. However, his performance in the trial game has led many fans to believe that he could be a capable deputy to Cleary in 2025 if needed. His smooth control of the game, coupled with his kicking accuracy, makes him an intriguing option for the Panthers should Cleary need a rest or face injury during the season.
While Toelau has yet to break into the NRL starting lineup, there are growing calls from the fanbase to fast-track his development. Last season, when Cleary missed 10 games due to injuries, Jarome Luai was shifted into the halfback role. This season, with Cleary still nursing an injury and yet to be confirmed for the season opener in the US, the Panthers will need a reliable No.6 to pair with him. Many fans believe Toelau could fit that role, especially given his impressive performance in the trial game.
Toelauโs situation is complicated, though. Despite his eye-catching play, he remains on a development contract, having had his train-and-trial contract upgraded to a development deal last year. Toelau will join the NRL squad fully in 2026, but for now, he remains a fringe player with just 12 games off the bench under his belt. His future with the Panthers is promising, but for now, he will have to wait for more opportunities to showcase his skills.
The potential for Toelau to push for a starting position in the halves or as a deputy to Cleary is very much in play. His performance in the trial game has given many fans hope that the young halfback could become a key player for the Panthers in the near future. With Clearyโs injury lingering and the Panthersโ strong showing in the trial match, there are growing calls for Toelau to join the squad for the Las Vegas opener, either as a backup playmaker or to continue his development under the guidance of the NRLโs best.
As Penrith fans eagerly look ahead to the 2025 season, the emergence of Toelau as a future star only adds to the optimism surrounding the club. The Panthersโ next-generation playmaker could be on the cusp of a breakthrough, and if his trial performance is anything to go by, the future of the Panthersโ halves combination is in safe hands.