Racing
League
Rugby
Football
Cricket
Golf
Sport Nation
Motorsport
Netball
Basketball
Combat Sports
Olympics
Other Sports
Live sport on SN this weekendRoosters send Yeo warning as Panthers sweat on skipper
George Clarke, AAP •  August 8th, 2026 2:06 pm
Panthers' injury-hit star lock Isaah Yeo could miss the crucial back end of the campaign | Photo: Dan Himbrechts/AAP
Spencer Leniu claims Penrith remain just as dangerous without Isaah Yeo as the star lock faces a nervous wait on scan results that could have huge ramifications on the Panthers' premiership hopes.
Yeo will head for further examination on Sunday after failing to finish Friday's 28-12 loss to the Warriors with a suspected pectoral injury.
It would be a devastating blow if Yeo, who was set to captain Australia at this year's World Cup, misses Penrith's run towards September which starts with next Thursday's battle with the Roosters at CommBank Stadium.
The Panthers at least breathed a sigh of relief on Saturday morning as centre Paul Alamoti avoided suspension for the lifting tackle on Leka Halasima that landed him in the sin bin against the Warriors.
Spencer Leniu, who won three premiership rings with Panthers, is backing his old side | Photo: James Gourley/AAP
Alamoti can pay a $1,000 fine and line up against the second-placed Roosters, who drew level with the Panthers on 36 competition points by edging Canterbury 20-18 on Friday.
But Alamoti's presence is likely to be cold comfort for the Panthers in the face of a serious injury to Yeo.
Three-time Penrith premiership winner Leniu is expecting his former club to come out all guns blazing even if they are deprived of Yeo for the back end of the year.
"It's a massive loss, he is sort of the heartbeat of their team and knowing Penrith, they are a world-class team and there'll be that next-man up mentality," Leniu said.
"They've been doing it for the last couple of years and they've filled those voids when it comes around.
"He's their captain and when a lot of experience goes off the field you notice it.
"But the Penrith Panthers are a well-oiled machine and no doubt they'll still be pushing for the premiership at the end of the year.
"If you get that tap on the shoulder you've got a duty to perform and wear that jersey with pride and that's been the forefront of the Penrith Panthers."
Nathan Cleary and his Penrith teammates went down to the Warriors in Auckland | Photo: Brett Phibbs/AAP
The injury to Yeo and the loss in Auckland has firmly brought Penrith back to the pack in the battle for the minor premiership.
The Panthers only hold onto top spot as a result of their for and against but will be overtaken by the Roosters if Trent Robinson's men can claim an eighth-straight win.
"They've been the benchmark for the whole competition the last few years and this (a win) would put us in good stead," Leniu said.
"No doubt they'll be our biggest competition for the year and truly see what this team is about.
"I've got a lot of confidence in this team and the boys inside our four walls … we know we can play s*** footy and still win games.
"Whenever we get that good side of the coin and we're playing good footy we know we can beat anyone."
Welcome back to first grade, Luke Metcalf! | Warriors Live
