In the high-pressure environment of the Penrith Panthers’ system, the line between being a future star and a forgotten man is often razor-thin. For Jack Cole, a playmaker who has been with the club since the age of 15, that line has become a focal point of speculation as he continues to dominate the NSW Cup while remaining on the periphery of the NRL squad.
Cole, once viewed as the natural successor to Jarome Luai and a long-term partner for Nathan Cleary, found himself sliding down the pecking order with the arrivals of Blaize Talagi and Jack Cogger. However, the “forgotten” half made a definitive statement over the weekend, orchestrating a 40-12 demolition in the reserve grade competition just an hour after the Panthers’ top flight side dismantled the Melbourne Storm in Round 5.
With two try assists and two line-break assists, Cole’s performance was a reminder of the attacking potency that once made him the prized prospect of the Penrith nursery. But as his dominance in the NSW Cup continues, the conversation has shifted from when he will debut to whether he will remain at the foot of the mountains at all.
The Business of Professional Rugby League
For a player deeply embedded in the culture of a dynasty, the prospect of leaving is never easy, but Cole is approaching it with a pragmatic lens. Speaking on his potential exit from the club, Cole acknowledged that professional sport is ultimately a commercial venture.
“I’m definitely very open-minded to it, as I’m sure everyone is. Like I said, it is a business and you’ve got to do what’s best for you,” Cole said. He expressed a deep affinity for the environment at Penrith, noting his love for the teammates and the coaching staff, but highlighted the necessity of consistent first-grade opportunities.
The dilemma for Cole is a common one in the modern NRL: playing at a world-class level in the reserve grade does not always guarantee a path to the top. “If there wasn’t an opportunity here for me at the end of the year to progress or play consistent NRL, then you’d obviously have to try to have a look,” he added, noting that his current form serves as a tool for either retaining the club’s interest or attracting suitors from elsewhere.
Matthew Dufty and the NSW Cup Surge
While Cole fights for a future, other veterans are using the NSW Cup to force their way back into the spotlight. Matthew Dufty has become the standout performer of the reserve grade circuit, producing a series of displays that are hard for NRL coaches to ignore. Following a massive outing a fortnight ago, Dufty continued his tear through the competition with a “miraculous” stat line: 326 running metres, two line-breaks, one try assist, and three tries.
Dufty’s journey has been a nomadic one, featuring 82 first-grade appearances for St George Illawarra between 2017 and 2021, a stint with the Bulldogs, and three seasons in the Super League with Warrington. Currently playing on a NSWRL contract, Dufty is widely tipped for an elevation to a full NRL deal, potentially serving as a high-end backup for Jye Gray in the fullback role.
The impact of Dufty’s form was felt across the league, though it wasn’t enough to save the Bulldogs in his latest match, where they fell 36-10. Despite the loss, the game saw a positive return for winger Jethro Rinakama, who recorded a try and three line-breaks after recovering from injury.
The Next Wave: Cleary and Attard
The “Ressies Wrap” also highlights the inevitable rise of novel talent. Jett Cleary is appearing closer to an NRL debut after continuing to dominate the reserve grade. Cleary recently steered the Warriors to a 26-24 victory over the Newtown Jets, contributing a try and two line-breaks. His trajectory mirrors that of his halves partner, Luke Hanson, who made his NRL debut a few weeks prior.
Similarly, Wests Tigers fans have a reason for optimism despite concerns regarding Jahream Bula’s long-term future. Jack Attard, a 2024 Australian Schoolboy, is showing that the club’s pipeline remains strong. Attard recently posted what was arguably his best game in Tigers colors, recording a try, one try assist, two line-breaks, and 97 running metres.
Key Reserve Grade Standouts
| Player | Team | Key Stats/Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Matthew Dufty | Rabbitohs | 326m, 3 Tries, 2 Line-breaks |
| Jack Cole | Panthers | 2 Try Assists, 2 Line-break Assists |
| Jett Cleary | Warriors | 1 Try, 2 Line-breaks |
| Jack Attard | Wests Tigers | 1 Try, 1 Try Assist, 2 Line-breaks |
Pressing the Case for Selection
Across the rest of the competition, several players are using the reserve grade as a final audition for NRL selection. For the Canberra Raiders, hooker Owen Pattie is intensifying his push for a return to the top grade, controlling the ruck with 67 metres and 37 tackles in his recent outing.
At the Parramatta Eels, Ronald Volkman’s elusive play has earned him a chance to partner Mitch Moses in the halves this coming weekend. He is joined by Araz Nanva, who is set to make his NRL debut on the wing to replace the injured Bailey Simonsson following a strong performance featuring 109 running metres and a try.
Other notable mentions include Joey Walsh, who continues to prove his value as the long-term successor at the Sea Eagles with a try and assist, and James Schiller, whose late double helped the Knights edge the Raiders in a nail-biting finish decided by a Mitch Henderson field goal.
With the QLD Cup returning this week following the Easter break, the battle for NRL spots will only intensify. For players like Jack Cole, the coming months are about more than just winning reserve grade matches; they are about determining where their professional journey leads next.
We want to hear from you. Does Jack Cole’s form warrant an immediate NRL opportunity at Penrith, or is a move elsewhere the only way for him to find consistent game time? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
