Panthers make move on speedster from rival club as back-up for Dylan Edwards
But Sloan has been on the outer with coach Flanagan, spending the fortnight prior in reserve-grade. The Dragons have reportedly granted Sloan permission to negotiate with rival clubs, despite being contracted until the end of 2026.
Reports have now emerged that Ivan Cleary and the Panthers made an enquiry about Sloan, and they could view him as a back-up to Origin and Test fullback Dylan Edwards. Daine Laurie has been used at fullback whenever Edwards is missing, but is yet to re-sign past this season.
Speaking on Channel 9 this week, leading reporter Danny Weidler said the Panthers had expressed an interest in Sloan. 'The first club I've heard linked to him, which is an interesting one, is I think the Panthers have made a subtle inquiry,' he said on '100% Footy'.
'I'm not certain exactly where he'd fit in. He's obviously not going to be the fullback, but he's got speed to burn on the wing and he's a player that might thrive in that system."
The Panthers have a plethora of options in the outside backs, meaning Sloan might struggle to crack first-grade at Penrith. But there are plenty of games in which Edwards is absent due to State of Origin duty or injuries, and Sloan has shown he's a handy option at fullback.
Super League clubs are also said to be interested in Sloan, while former NRL premiership winners Bryan Fletcher and Matty Johns recently floated the Melbourne Storm as a potential landing spot. The Storm have a history of prioritising speed on the flanks, with Fletcher and Johns in agreeance that Sloan is the kind of player who Craig Bellamy could work wonders with.
"I can see Sloan being the next Foxx (Josh Addo-Carr) down in Melbourne," Fletcher said on SEN radio last month. "I don't know about the Will Warbrick head knock situation, but I think it's been three months he's now been out. I can see him turning into the Foxx down there (in Melbourne)."
Johns added: "I can see that Fletch. One thing with Melbourne and their scout Paul Bunn is he just goes after speed. He goes 'you just find those wingers that can just sprint and then Craig (Bellamy) will put the discipline into them. So Sloan would be exactly that type of guy."
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Warbrick hasn't played for months as he battles concussion issues, while Grant Anderson is moving to the Broncos in 2026. The Storm still have plenty of talented outside backs in the likes of Xavier Coates, Jack Howarth and Sua Fa'alogo, although Fa'alogo's future is far from certain. The 22-year-old has a handshake agreement with Storm officials that he can leave the club if fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen signs a long-term extension.
Saw him playing against us in reserve grade last year in which he had a blinder. With our coaching, and with a champion club, he will thrive. It seems like he was bogged down at the Dragons for some reason.
— Fleetwood_Cadillac (@BarryBumperbar) June 30, 2025
I'd take him
— jordanjackelyse (@jordanjackelyse) June 30, 2025
i was thinking the same. stands to reason perhaps a better winger than laurie too.
— Jennifer 🏆 🏆 🏆🏆🐾🐾 (@JenniferSh93445) June 30, 2025
If they can teach him defence, might work out as an astute buy
— @ (@vella_vision) June 30, 2025
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