Has Penrith found the combination that can unlock the best version of Nathan Cleary? Andrew Johns believes Jack Cogger—not Blaize Talagi—should partner the champion halfback when the Panthers enter the finals.
Talagi will return to the No.6 jersey against the Warriors on Friday night, but only after Cogger remained in Sydney to be with his pregnant wife. Johns expects Penrith to restore the Cogger-Cleary partnership when both players are available.
Johns declares Cogger Penrith’s best option
Speaking on Wide World of Sports’ Immortal Behaviour, Johns identified Cogger as Penrith’s best five-eighth option.
“They’re a totally different team when Jack Cogger plays in the halves,” Johns said.
Cogger started beside Cleary in Penrith’s 42-18 victory over Canberra in Mudgee after returning from a two-match suspension.
The performance impressed Johns because Cogger was prepared to assume first-receiver duties, allowing Cleary to position himself wider and attack on a second layer.
That structure gives Cleary more freedom to observe the defence, choose his moments and use his running game rather than being responsible for directing every possession.
Johns said Cogger “takes a bit of responsibility away from Nathan”, creating a more balanced partnership.
Why Cogger changes Cleary’s role
Cleary is one of the NRL’s best organisers, but his influence extends well beyond controlling Penrith’s kicking game and attacking shape.
He is also an elite ball-runner capable of challenging the line, creating space for his outside backs and punishing defenders who begin drifting towards his passing options.
When Cleary is required to receive the ball first on almost every attacking set, the opposition knows where Penrith’s play will begin.
Cogger changes that picture.
He can organise the early stages of the possession, move the defence and deliver the ball to Cleary after the defensive line has already started making decisions.
That gives Cleary more time and space while making Penrith’s attack less predictable.
Against Canberra, Johns noted that Cogger regularly positioned himself at first receiver while Cleary operated behind the initial attacking shape.
The result was a comfortable Panthers victory and a performance that strengthened Cogger’s claim to the No.6 jersey.
Johns expects Cogger-Cleary finals pairing
Johns did not present the combination as a temporary experiment.
“I reckon those two will be the pairing,” he said.
That prediction represents another setback for Talagi, who entered the season as Penrith’s established five-eighth following Jarome Luai’s departure to the Wests Tigers.
The 21-year-old started alongside Cleary for most of 2026 before defensive concerns prompted Ivan Cleary to make a late-season change.
Parramatta repeatedly targeted Penrith’s left edge during the Panthers’ 24-18 Round 21 victory. Talagi was caught in several defensive breakdowns, including two tries scored by Eels forward Jack Williams.
Although edge defence is a shared responsibility, Talagi’s positioning and missed tackles became increasingly difficult for Penrith to ignore.
He was subsequently dropped from the first-grade side, with Cogger selected against Canberra.
Talagi handed an unexpected lifeline
Cogger was again named at five-eighth for Penrith’s Round 23 match against the Warriors, with Talagi initially listed among the extended reserves.
That changed when Cogger decided not to travel to Auckland.
His wife, Hannah, is due to give birth in the coming days, and Cogger remained in Sydney rather than risk being overseas when she went into labour.
Talagi will consequently return to the starting side and partner Cleary in a significant top-four contest.
The change should not be interpreted as Ivan Cleary reversing his original selection. Talagi has been recalled because Cogger is unavailable, but the match gives him an immediate opportunity to challenge Johns’ assessment.
A strong attacking display alone may not be enough. Penrith’s coaching staff will be closely monitoring Talagi’s defensive communication, positioning and decision-making.
The Warriors are likely to test his edge early.
Talagi’s Penrith future remains uncertain
Talagi remains one of the NRL’s most promising young playmakers.
His size, running power and ability to break tackles give Penrith an attacking option that Cogger cannot replicate. At 21, he also has considerable room for improvement.
However, his position has become less secure at a critical time.
Talagi is expected to become eligible to negotiate with rival clubs from November 1 if Penrith cannot agree to an extension beforehand. That does not mean his existing contract expires on November 1; it means other clubs could formally enter the race for his future.
Cogger, meanwhile, is contracted to the Panthers until the end of 2028.
The length of Cogger’s contract gives Penrith stability, while his ability to cover halfback, five-eighth and hooker provides additional roster value.
If Ivan Cleary ultimately adopts Johns’ preferred halves combination, Talagi may need to accept a different role or consider whether greater opportunities exist elsewhere.
Warriors clash becomes Talagi’s audition
Friday night now represents far more than a routine recall for Talagi.
Penrith sit at the top of the ladder, while the third-placed Warriors are attempting to establish themselves as genuine premiership contenders.
Johns tipped the Warriors to win the match and argued that failing to defeat Penrith would raise serious doubts about their title credentials.
For Talagi, the challenge is personal as well as collective.
An accomplished performance could force Penrith to reconsider its finals combination. Another difficult defensive night could leave Cogger in control of the No.6 jersey when he returns.
Johns believes Penrith look completely different with Cogger beside Cleary.
Talagi now has 80 minutes to prove they can be just as dangerous with him.
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