Trent Toelau, while currently ranked low in the halves hierarchy of the powerful Penrith Panthers, demonstrated his skills during a pre-season match at Leichhardt Oval, wearing the club’s No.7 jersey. With Nathan Cleary and other key players absent in Las Vegas, Toelau led a reserve-grade squad to a 38-22 victory over the more seasoned Manly Sea Eagles.
Throughout the match, the 25-year-old playmaker shone by scoring a try and assisting in two others with impressive kicks, showcasing his potential as a future star in the NRL. Toelau’s contributions helped the Panthers maintain a strong lead, despite Manly’s late comeback attempt. He accumulated 340 kick metres and broke through five tackles, further underlining his capability on the field.
Toelau, who is set to join Penrith’s top 30 in 2026, has already made 12 NRL appearances, primarily off the bench last season. He expressed admiration for Cleary, viewing him as an incredible mentor and aiming to secure a regular position in the team. Although he acknowledged that he would not be in the squad for round one due to fierce competition, he remains determined to prove himself and earn a place in the starting line-up. The Panthers begin their title defence against the Sharks on March 2.