June 8, 2025 — Penrith, NSW
The Penrith Panthers have confirmed the departure of two of their most crucial players at the end of the 2025 NRL season, citing mounting salary cap constraints as the driving factor behind the difficult decision.
In a press conference held at BlueBet Stadium this morning, Panthers CEO Matt Cameron officially announced that star second-rower Liam Martin and veteran fullback Dylan Edwards will both be leaving the club after this season, bringing an end to two of the most successful chapters in recent team history.
“This is not a day we take lightly,” Cameron said. “Liam and Dylan have been warriors for this club, both on and off the field. Unfortunately, in a competition governed by a strict salary cap, tough calls have to be made.”
The news comes amid growing speculation that Penrith, winners of three consecutive premierships from 2021 to 2023, would face an inevitable squeeze to retain their top-tier talent. With a core built around superstar halfback Nathan Cleary, prop James Fisher-Harris, and dynamic five-eighth Jarome Luai, the Panthers were always going to be challenged to keep the full roster intact.
Liam Martin, 27, has reportedly signed a lucrative four-year deal with a rival Sydney-based club, believed to be worth upwards of \$900,000 per season—well above what Penrith could match under their current cap structure. The hard-hitting back-rower has been a cornerstone of the Panthers’ defensive resilience and represented both New South Wales and Australia with distinction.
Dylan Edwards, one of the most consistent and underrated fullbacks in the league, is also understood to have accepted a multi-year offer from a Queensland club, rumored to be the Brisbane Broncos. The 29-year-old has been a model of reliability and work ethic, often lauded by teammates and coaches for his no-nonsense approach and elite fitness.
“Both players gave everything to the jersey,” said head coach Ivan Cleary. “It’s a bittersweet moment—we’re proud of what they’ve achieved here, but we’re also gutted to lose them. That said, we respect their decisions and wish them all the best in the next chapters of their careers.”
In an emotional social media post, Martin wrote:
> “Penrith is my home, and always will be. This was the toughest call of my life, but sometimes you have to make the hard choice for your future. I’ll give everything this season to leave on the best note possible.”
Edwards echoed similar sentiments:
> “I’ve grown up with this club and these boys. I want to finish strong and hopefully bring home one more trophy for the fans and the town that’s meant so much to me.”
The Panthers, known for their prolific junior development pipeline, are expected to promote rising talent from within to fill the gaps left by Martin and Edwards. Fullback Isaiah Iongi and second-rower Mavrik Geyer are among the names tipped for bigger roles in 2026.
While the loss of two fan favourites is a major blow, Penrith’s leadership remains confident in the club’s direction.
“We’ve built a sustainable system based on culture, development, and belief,” Cameron added. “This won’t change who we are—it just marks the next evolution in our journey.”
The Panthers currently sit third on the NRL ladder and remain in strong contention for another premiership. Both Martin and Edwards have vowed to give their all in their final campaign with the club.
