Jack Attard (Young Fullback)
Shocking Split: Panthers Grant Release of Rising Star
In a move that has sent ripples through the rugby league fraternity, premiership-powerhouse Penrith Panthers have agreed to the immediate mutual release of young fullback Jack Attard — a player once touted as the long-term successor to stalwart fullback Dylan Edwards.
Although Attard was under contract with the Panthers until end of 2027, sources have confirmed that the club and the player agreed to the parting of ways, effective immediately.
A Golden Youth Career
Attard emerged as one of the brighter fullback prospects in the junior ranks: a product of St Dominic’s College and an Australian Schoolboys representative in 2024, his progression was rapid.
During the 2025 season, despite limited appearances in the NSW Cup, he managed to average 123 running metres per match and scored two tries across just two games — clearly hinting at what might have been.
The Reasons Behind the Release
Multiple factors appear to have contributed:
Blocked Pathway: With Edwards firmly entrenched as fullback and youngsters Jaxen Edgar and Nick Murphy also ahead in the pecking order, Attard found his first-grade avenue significantly restricted.
Injury Disruption: Attard was sidelined from participating in the 2025 NRL Pre-Season Challenge due to a back injury, which likely stalled his momentum inside the club.
Club Strategy: Panthers appear to be reinforcing depth in other areas and perhaps determined that Attard’s future lay elsewhere, prompting a mutual release despite his contract standing.
The Destination: Tigers Lining Up
While Attard is yet to sign a new club, reports indicate the Wests Tigers have expressed serious interest in acquiring the youngster.
Given the Tigers’ ongoing rebuild and search for emerging talent in key spine positions, the lure of a fullback with Attard’s junior credentials is understandable.
What This Means for the Panthers
The move is both surprising and telling for the Penrith camp:
Succession Plan Shift: Attard was widely considered the earmarked long-term successor to Edwards. His departure suggests a recalibration of that pathway has occurred within the Panthers.
Squad Depth & Management: The decision to release a contracted young talent signals that the club is comfortable with its depth at fullback, or alternatively, believes new pathways will be forged internally or via recruitment.
Perception: For fans and commentators, a youngster leaving a club of Penrith’s stature raises questions about the retention of emerging talent and the club’s management of pathways.
Implications for Jack Attard
For Attard, this turning point presents both risk and opportunity:
Fresh Start: A move to a club like the Tigers could offer an accelerated pathway to NRL first-grade, something that may have been blocked at Penrith.
Pressure to Deliver: As a release from a top club and with reported rival interest, expectations will be heightened. The challenge will be turning potential into performance in a new environment.
Career Reset: At his age and with his credentials, the next 12-24 months will be pivotal in shaping whether he becomes a regular NRL performer or slips into the background.
Context in the NRL Landscape
This release comes amidst a changing tide in talent management in the NRL:
Clubs with strong Established Depth: Teams like the Panthers — though successful — must balance giving opportunities to graduating juniors against sustaining a winning machine.
Rival Clubs in Rebuild Mode: Teams like the Wests Tigers are actively chasing emerging talents discarded or overlooked by top clubs — a smart strategy in the salary-cap era.
Mobility of Young Talent: The decision underscores how even contracted young players may seek release if the pathway is blocked — signalling an increasingly dynamic market for up-and-comers.
Reactions and Rumours
Fans of the Panthers have expressed surprise at the development, given Attard’s status and previous assurances from club officials.
There is speculation the Tigers’ interest is driven by a long-term view: securing a fullback who can be part of their spine rebuild over the next several seasons.
No official announcement has yet been made by either club or player but the Zero Tackle report is considered credible.
Possible Scenarios Ahead
1. Attard Signs with Tigers: A formal deal could see him join as part of development or even train with first grade immediately, with aim of breaking through in 2026.
2. Another Club Enters the Fray: Other clubs may attempt to capitalise on Penrith’s release of a promising fullback and make offers.
3. Return Path Altered: If Attard doesn’t secure a clear NRL pathway, he could remain in lower grades or explore alternative positions/roles (e.g., wing/utility back) to refine his profile.
4. Reassessment at Penrith: The Panthers may now promote another junior fullback or recruit externally — a shift that could reshape their long-term planning at the position.
The Bigger Picture
This one move touches a series of broader themes:
Succession at Elite Clubs: Even clubs consistently at the top of the table must juggle retaining juniors and maintaining competitiveness.
Player Development Realities: Being a standout junior (Australian Schoolboys rep) doesn’t guarantee a smooth first grade transition—injury, depth charts, and timing matter.
Talent Market Dynamics: Young players are more willing to move early if pathways are limited, and clubs in rebuild mode are savvy to pick them up.
Risk vs Reward: For Attard, the risk is leaving a premiership-winning environment; the reward is potential opportunity for NRL exposure.
Final Thoughts
The release of Jack Attard by the Penrith Panthers — a player once tipped to succeed Dylan Edwards — is a reminder that even in the most successful clubs, talent management is complex. For Attard, this is now a fresh chapter: one that could unlock his first-grade ambitions or test his resilience further. For the Panthers, it signals a recalibration of their developmental strategy at fullback. And for the Tigers (or whichever club secures him), it’s a strategic win: acquiring young, high-ceiling talent willing to step up.
