By worldlive 
Sad departure: Broncos Fans Furious as Rising State of Origin Star Abandons Club for Rival Panthers” aim official disagreement with broncos board and HC. See full details…
The Penrith Panthers have reportedly pulled off a major signing, securing one of the country’s top young talents from the Brisbane Broncos. Penrith journalist Peter Lang revealed on Sunday that second-rower Harry Armstrong has joined the four-time champion Panthers.
Armstrong, who represented Queensland in the 2024 Under-19s State of Origin match, is widely considered one of the nation’s best young forwards. At just 20 years old, he had been part of the Broncos’ development system, with the club holding high hopes for his future.
However, his move to Penrith is a significant blow for new Broncos coach Michael Maguire, who is aiming to rebuild the team following their disappointing 2024 season. After reaching the grand final in 2023 and losing to the Panthers, the Broncos had a dramatic decline last year, finishing 12th on the ladder.
Their forward pack was a significant concern in 2024, and Armstrong’s departure will only worsen the situation. Lang wrote on Sunday: “The 190cm, 94kg, 20-year-old standout, who played for the Queensland Under-19 team last year, is highly valued by Penrith officials. After losing numerous talented junior players in recent years, it seems the ‘Panthers empire’ is making a comeback.”
Reflecting on his State of Origin debut for Queensland last June, Armstrong said: “It means a lot to me… it will be my first time wearing this Queensland jersey, so it’s a real honor. I’m thrilled to have the chance to represent my state… it’s truly special.”
Armstrong was invited to train with the Broncos’ first-grade squad under Kevin Walters last year. Speaking to NRL.com, he said, “The training load at the Broncos is quite different, but I’ve learned so much, and the atmosphere has been great.”
He added, “My goal is to play good footy, no matter where it is, and keep working my way up to eventually reach the NRL. Making the Queensland team was one of my goals for the year, so it feels good to have achieved that.”
Broncos fans are furious after losing Harry Armstrong to the Panthers. Armstrong, who benefited from the guidance of Queensland legends Ben Te’o and Darius Boyd during the Under-19s Origin camp, had been praised by Queensland Rugby League pathways and performance head coach Nathan Cross as embodying the essence of Queensland rugby. His move to Penrith has sparked outrage, particularly since the Panthers denied Brisbane the 2024 NRL premiership with Nathan Cleary’s remarkable late-game heroics.
One fan expressed surprise that none of the South-East Queensland teams—Broncos, Titans, or Dolphins—secured Armstrong, while another lamented, “Filthy with this. Harry is exactly the type of forward Brisbane desperately needed.”