New Zealand Warriors’ most highly touted forward prospect, Toby Crosby, has reportedly attracted interest from another NRL club, with sources telling Zero Tackle that the Penrith Panthers are closely monitoring the young star.
The 22-year-old has quickly become a fan favourite at the Warriors, turning heads in both the Under-21s Jersey Flegg Cup and NSW Cup with his relentless, power-packed performances in the middle of the field.
Playing 22 games in the Warriors’ NSW Cup side this year, the young forward was part of the squad that won the club’s first Minor Premiership, crossing for four tries during the campaign.
Crosby’s rise in rugby league has been meteoric, particularly given he only transitioned to the sport in 2023 after two standout years in Wellington Rugby Union’s academy, where he had already made a name for himself in the 15-man code.
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The young forward’s potential move to the Panthers comes amid mounting speculation that his Warriors teammate, Tom Ale, could also be heading to the four-time premiership winners.
Should both Warriors talents join the Panthers, the club would be left with just six open roster spots for the 2026 season.
This scenario could impact the futures of several players, including Daine Laurie, Harrison Hassett, Luke Sommerton, Preston Riki, Riley Price, and Soni Luke, despite each featuring in NRL matches this year.
The Panthers’ interest in Crosby is part of a broader recruitment drive that has already seen them secure emerging playmakers Keahn Skipps from the Canberra Raiders, Haami Loza from the Newcastle Knights, and highly rated halfback Elijah Birve from the Melbourne Storm.