Isaiah Papali’i brought instant impact to the Panthers in 2025.
The Kiwis forward arrived at Penrith with a point to prove, feeling his career had “plateaued” since winning Dally M Second Rower of the Year in 2021 and reaching the NRL Grand Final in 2022.
His switch to the foot of the mountains paid dividends, as he found his rhythm in Panthers colours.
Across 23 appearances he scored seven tries, recorded 120 average running metres, made eight line breaks and 26 tackles per game.
Papali’i made his club debut as Panther No. 627 in the Las Vegas season-opener, and quickly established himself as a valuable asset to Ivan Cleary.
“Ice” showed his versatility throughout the season, seamlessly shifting between prop, second row, lock and interchange roles.
In Round 7 against the Roosters, Papali’i came off the bench to score his first club try and help the Panthers break a six-game losing streak.
Recovering from mid-season injury, Papali’i surged into form at the pointy end of the season. He scored five tries in his last seven games, and produced standout performances in the Finals wins over the Warriors and Bulldogs.
His strong Panthers debut season was recognised as he was named a finalist for the 2025 Merv Cartwright Medal.
Papali’i joined teammates Casey McLean, Moses Leota and Scott Sorensen in the Kiwis squad for the 2025 Pacific Championships.
He started at second row in New Zealand’s 24-18 win over Samoa in Week 1, and assisted a McLean try with a fantastic offload.
He started at second row in New Zealand’s 24-18 win over Samoa in Week 1, and assisted a McLean try with a fantastic offload.
ACHIEVEMENTS
- Club debut as Panther No. 627
- Merv Cartwright Medal finalist
- Selected in New Zealand squad for Pacific Championships
GALLERY
The best pics of Papali'i in 2025.
STAT ATTACK
Appearances – 23
Tries – 7
Line breaks – 8
Offloads – 24
Running metres – 2782 (120 per game)
Tackles – 615 (26 per game)
Tackle efficiency – 92.8%
BEST TRY
Penrith demolished the Bulldogs to push into the preliminary finals, with Papali’i finishing off an outstanding four-pointer.
Papali'i pounces on a To'o kick
WHAT WAS SAID
Papali'i said;
I really just enjoy my footy with the people at Penrith.
Isaiah Papali'i
SOCIAL SCENE
Isaiah, and his partner Elle, welcomed their son Jude River Papali’i into the world.
