Billy Slater is widely considered a future Immortal for his transformative impact on the fullback position in modern rugby.
There’s now growing support for Isaah Yeo to join the conversation, as many teams have tried to emulate his role as a lock forward.
Yeo is set to become the first player to reach 250 games for the Panthers when they face North Queensland on Friday, an impressive achievement given the club’s long history in the competition. The humble Dubbo native, who debuted as a centre in 2014, has had a journey that included stints in the back row and off the bench before settling into the lock position in 2020. Since then, Penrith has reached five consecutive grand finals, with Yeo winning the Golden Boot last year after securing a fourth straight title and leading Australia to Pacific Championships success.
Cameron Ciraldo, now coaching the Bulldogs, worked closely with Yeo during his time at Penrith and understands why the lock forward is being discussed as a potential Immortal. Ciraldo reflected on Yeo’s journey from a young player in the under-20s to becoming the first Panther to hit the 250-game milestone. He praised Yeo for his resilience through tough times, his adaptability in different positions, and his growth into one of the game’s elite players.
Nathan Cleary, co-captain of the Panthers, also sees Yeo as a future Immortal. Cleary is in awe of his teammate’s ball-playing ability, which keeps defenses guessing, and his powerful running, which allows Cleary to shine. Cleary praised Yeo for his consistency and work ethic, calling him the heart and soul of the team, as well as a vital leader both on and off the field.
Even rival players recognize Yeo’s influence. Bulldogs captain Stephen Crichton, a former Panther, shared his admiration for Yeo, crediting him as a major influence on his own leadership development. Crichton described Yeo as a mentor and a key figure in his career, praising his maturity and leadership qualities.
