Nepean News SPECIAL PANTHERS COLLECTORS EDITION 2020

Special Panthers Collector’s editioN With Mark (MG) Geyer, Kerrie Davies and Dale (Tex) Walker

First. NEXT. NOW.

THE MIGHTY PENRITH PANTHERS

on the

mark w i th M A R K GE Y E R

To tears of unadulterated joy in 1991

From tears of sorrow in 1990

By MARK GEYER

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nside this edition you’ll find every page is about Panthers, the previous grand finals we’ve won, the current players in our 2020 super team with room to collect their autographs and a glossy poster to hang on your wall.

The two best teams all year in this Covid-affected NRL season will duke it out this Sunday to see just who is the best rugby league team on the planet.

“The Old Stag v The Young Buck” With all due respect when I refer to Melbourne as the “Old Stag” it is certainly done with a view on their overall activity at this end of the season.

The Melbourne Storm have only missed playing in finals footy a handful of times in their 22 years of existence. In fact it has become somewhat a fait accompli that the purple jersey of the Storm roams rugby league fields this time of the year.

“The Young Buck” Panther outfit is obviously in stark contrast. Since last winning the competition in 2003 the Panthers look sheepish in comparison to their Sunday rivals.

But as they say it’s not the dog in the fight you should be worried about, but the fight in the dog. In this case the Panther.

Riding a wave of 17 games straight, Ivan Cleary’s chargers have ‘that’ look about them.

They ooze respectful flare, they don’t seem overawed by the situation, there’s a youthful exuberance that is magnetic about the 2020 version of the Penrith Panther.

This week in a rugby league player’s career is the best. Not only have you made a grand final but you get a chance to celebrate it with your family, friends, and supporters.

You have made it to the final dance of the season.

I experienced both a loss in a grand final and a victory in a grand final.

The loss, I still don’t really remember much of the game, the victory is as vivid to me as the sky is blue.

The memories I have from winning the competition with my best mates in 1991 stay with me solidly some 30 years later. Apart from getting married and having children it’s the best thing that has ever happened in my life.

That’s how profound the memories of that final siren ringing and realising a dream are.

This Sunday it all comes down to exactly how much either team really wants it. How much do you want to do for your best mate standing either side of you in that defensive line?

The 2020 NRL season will indeed have an asterisk next to it. But it will be because this season, with every curve ball thrown and every hoop jumped through, will go down in history as the most unique season of all time.

And the team that wins it will deserve the win like no other team has in history!

Let’s go Panthers, you’ve been the best team all year, now go and show the world that come Sunday, you are indeed the best rugby league team on the planet!

My grand final predictions.

Score: Penrith 24 Melbourne 20 Clive Churchill medalist: Isaah Yeo See you at the game!!

MG (random Westie) OAM

THE MIGHTY PENRITH PANTHERS

THE MIGHTY PENRITH PANTHERS

1991 - Breaking The Drought

By DALE ‘TEX’ WALKER

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ntering the competition in 1967 The Penrith Panthers long awaited first grade premiership was achieved in 1991 after they had been defeated the previous year by Tim Sheen’s Canberra

Raiders.

Word was out that the New South Wales Rugby League would introduce two new teams to the Sydney premiership in 1967. There were three teams vying for the two proposed slots, Penrith, CronullaSutherland, and the Wentworthville Magpies. Cronulla-Sutherland had been assured of one place, leaving Penrith and Wentworthville to fight it out for the other place. The NSWRL eventually settled on Penrith due to their location and a win in the 1966 Second Division title.

The Panthers reached their first semi final series in 1985 but it was 1990 when they would first perform at the big dance and they achieved the same 12 months later.

1991 was different to 1990, the players, coaching staff and fans had experienced the pain and heartache and they didn’t want to go through it once again.

New attitudes and strategies were a part of the planning.

The Panthers only lost four games in easily winning the minor premiership, with the Raiders finishing fourth having lost eight of their 22 games.

Panthers Board Member, then skipper of the team, Greg Alexander said there was a definite change to the team focus in 1991.

“We went through a lot of pain in 1990 and it’s as if we had grown up the following year,” he said.

It wasn’t all smooth sailing though, Mark Geyer was sent to the sin bin when his team trailed early in the second half.

“I thought I’d blown the grand final,” said Geyer.

“I prayed that the Raiders didn’t run away with the game when I was in the sheds and I promised myself that I was going to make up for my mistake when I got back on the park.”

So let’s rewind to the kick off.

The Canberra Raiders were looking to complete a three peat, having beaten Balmain in extra time in 1989.

They had an all star team, so impressive on paper they could have easily been a representative side on their own.

Belcher at Fullback, Meninga in the centres, Daley and Stuart the halves, Clyde locking the scrum, Barnhill and Coyne in the back row, Walters at hooker with Lazarus and Todd up front. It was a highly intimidating outfit.

Early in the first half Penrith went on the attack deep in Raider territory. Royce Simmons, scored one of the finest individual grand final tries after he stepped and spun his way past several defenders to score the opening four pointer. Alexander kicked the conversion for his side to lead 6–0. But it didn’t take long for Ricky Stuart to have a say,he received the ball a few metres into Penrith’s half and kicked over to the open left corner where winger Matthew Wood raced through to grab the ball and dive over in the corner to score.

Meninga’s conversion attempt missed so the Panthers held their lead at 6–4.

A Meninga penalty goal evened up the game at six all and an ensuing break from Brad clyde sent Matthew Wood over for his second. Meninga missed the conversion and it was the Raiders in front 10-6. Another Penalty goal just on half time and the Raiders went to the break with their heads held high at 12-6.

Enter the moment when Panthers fans thought they had lost back to back grand finals.

As the Raiders were trying to work the ball away from their goalline, they knocked on, with Panthers’ winger Paul Smith getting the ball and diving over in the corner. However referee Bill Harrigan called the play back after touch judge Martin Weekes reported that Canberra’s Mark Bell had been taken out with a swinging arm.

Geyer exploded and gave a mouthful to the touch judge and referee Bill Harrigan responded swiftly sending him to the sin bin for ten minutes.

“It wasn’t one of my finest moments,” said Geyer.

“I calmed down whilst I was off the field and I knew I could make a difference when I got back out there.

“The boys actually stepped up a gear when I was off and I owe a lot to them.”

Later the Panthers appeared certain to score from close range through Brad Izzard but the Raiders’ lone defender Laurie Daley stripped the ball in a one-on-one tackle.

Penrith’s unsuccessful scoring opportunities continued until finally, after a Mark Geyer inspired run and overhead pass saw Brad Izzard break free run 20 metres to the try-line to touch down behind the uprights. The scores were brought level at 12 all when Alexander kicked the extra two points.

With just under seven minutes of the match remaining, and again having worked the ball into Canberra’s half of the field, the Panthers on the fifth tackle passed it to Greg Alexander who nailed a 40 metre field goal to give his side a one-point lead at 13–12.

Penrith continued to enjoy the majority of possession and field position,and when the Raiders attempted a short line drop-out Geyer retrieved the ball in open space, passing it to 33-year-old Royce Simmons who scored in the corner and with Alexander kicking the conversion from the sideline it gave the Panthers their maiden premiership winning 19–12.

The unofficial Man of The Match was Royce Simmons who claimed 2 tries and a premiership in his last ever game of football.

“I love you all and I’m going to have a beer with everyone in Penrith tonight,” said Simmons.

And that, he did, and still does to this day.

Penrith Panthers 19 Tries: Simmons 2, Izzard Goals: Alexander 3/3 Field Goal: Alexander Canberra Raiders 12 Tries: Wood 2 Goals: Meninga 1/2, Wood 1/1 Clive Churchill Medal winner: Bradley Clyde (Canberra)

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Penrith Panthers 1991 Premiership Team 1. Greg Barwick 2. Graham Mackay 3. Brad Fittler 4. Col Bentley 5. Paul Smith 6. Steve Carter 7. Greg Alexander (c) 8. Paul Clarke

9. Royce Simmons 10. Paul Dunn 11. Mark Geyer 12. Barry Walker 13. Col van der Voort 14. Brad Izzard 15. John Cartwright Coach: Phil Gould

THE MIGHTY PENRITH PANTHERS

THE MIGHTY PENRITH PANTHERS

Beware the Underdog Number 2 in 2003

By DALE ‘TEX’ WALKER

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he number 37 might be unlucky for some but this wasn’t the case for the Penrith Panthers when they completed season number 37 in 2003 searching for the second ever premiership.

At the conclusion of 24 rounds Penrith achieved minor premiership status with 18 wins and 6 losses in finishing two points clear of their seaside rivals, The Sydney Roosters.The Panthers won 8 matches in a row from 19 April - 7 June, which, at the time, were the most wins in a row in the club’s history.

Penrith defeated sixth placed Warriors 28-20 whilst The Roosters accounted for third placed Bulldogs 28-18 to set up the 1 v 2 Grand Final.

The Ricky Stuart coached Roosters were sent out short priced favourites and many thought the Grand Final was a foregone conclusion. With Brad Fittler as skipper and the likes of Adrian Morley up front it was hard to disagree. But no one had told the Panthers they couldn’t win, nor would they have listened anyway.

Of all the Panthers players, only Luke Priddis had grand final experience, having defeated the Roosters with the Broncos in the 2000 decider.

81,166 spectators turned out at Telstra Stadium for the game with Bill Harrigan to be the referee for his 7th Grand Final.

SO the scene was set, and the rain started to tumble down just on kick off.

After thirty minutes of play, the Roosters’ defence was the first to give when Penrith hooker Luke Priddis made a long run from dummy half and into open space, finally passing to winger Luke Rooney coming through in support to cross untouched for the opening try.

Ryan Girdler kicked the conversion and the Panthers led 6–0. No more points were scored for the rest of the half so the Panthers went into the sheds with a lead at half time.

Eight minutes into the second half and after repeated sets of six The Roosters were on the attack with Jason Cayless crossing over underneath the posts but was found to be held up.

On the very next play, the ball went through the hands out to Shannon Hegarty to score on the left hand side of the field. Craig Fitzgibbon converted from out wide to even the scores at 6–6.

Eight minutes later and it was a decisive moment in play which now lies in rugby league folklore. Known as ‘that tackle’, Roosters

winger Todd Byrne received the ball on his own forty-metre line and ran into open space along the left edge of the field. Panthers lock forward Scott Sattler was chasing and twenty metres from the try line wrapped Bryne in a perfect boot lace cover defending tackle putting him over the sideline. It what would become one of the most famous plays in grand final history.

In the sixty-sixth minute the Panthers had made their way up to within five metres of the Roosters’ try line where Luke Priddis again ran from dummy half and scored, stretching out of the tackle to touch down beside the uprights. Preston Campbell kicked the extra two points so Penrith were now leading 12–6. In the seventy-third minute. Panthers skipper Craig Gower attempted a field goal but it was charged down. Penrith re-gathered the ball and continued towards the Roosters line and four tackles later had reached perfect field-goal kicking position once again. But Priddis, at dummy half again, decided to dummy and run left, throwing a long cut-out pass to Rooney on the wing to score untouched in the corner. Campbell converted the try and the Panthers lead 18–6 with six minutes left to play.

Against the odds the Panthers secured their second premiership with Luke Priddis named as the Clive Chruchill medalist for best on ground.

Penrith Panthers 18 3 Tries: Luke Rooney (2), Luke Priddis 3 Goals: Preston Campbell (2/2), Ryan Girdler (1/1) Field Goal: Alexander Sydney Roosters 6 1 Try: Shannon Hegarty 1 Goal: Craig Fitzgibbon

Penrith Panthers 2003 Premiership Team 1. Rhys Wesser, 2. Luke Lewis, 3. Ryan Girdler, 4. Paul Whatuira, 5. Luke Rooney, 6. Preston Campbell, 7. Craig Gower (c), 8. Joel Clinton,

9. Luke Priddis, 10. Martin Lang, 11. Joe Galuvao, 12. Tony Puletua, 13. Scott Sattler.

Interchange: 14. Ben Ross, 15. Trent Waterhouse,

16. Shane Rodney, 17. Luke Swain Coach: John Lang

THE MIGHTY PENRITH PANTHERS

Scott Sattler Remembers

“That tackle” which is now a part of Rugby League folklore.

By DALE ‘TEX’ WALKER

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or a top flight sports person Grand Final week is a time that they will remember for the rest of their lives.

Nepean News recently sat down with 2003 Grand Final winner Scott Sattler to share his experience.

I remember like it was yesterday. The week was somewhat of a blur but there’s a few defining moments that stick out.

Martin Lang told us to embrace the week and enjoy the moment. We were a young team and those words from Langy certainly helped ease the nerves.

We were massive underdogs and as the week went on more and more people kept writing us off. We blew like a gale with the bookmakers but we didn’t care, it made us stronger and believe more.

At the grand final breakfast we were all fairly relaxed but the Roosters looked to be on edge and highly nervous. Andrew Johns said the same thing on Television, and we really started to believe.

It was the same when we reached the ground, The Roosters were on the bench watching the preceding grand final and they didn’t look comfortable at all.

When we got in the sheds we were fine, Preston Campbell was cracking jokes and laughing with the team, we looked at the TV and they had the camera on Anthony Minichello in the Roosters changing room and he was all over the place. Nerves at a premium level. Again we started to believe even more.

The game itself was intense, I recall looking around at our players when we were in front 12-6 and we were out on our feet. Martin Lang had been knocked out twice in the game and Adrian Morley was at his rampaging best. In the 71st minute Martin was back on the field and took a hit - up coming out from our own line. They lined up to smash him but Langy swatted them away and he just kept running. This is a fond memory of the game, I knew after that run that it was our day.

The tackle on Toddy Byrne, was just something I had to do, I preempted his run and was able to mow him down.

As for Panthers 2020 there are so many similarities to 2003, father and son for a start. Ivan has taught Nathan to be so calm and cool on the playing field, I think it will play a big part in the Panthers victory on Sunday.

Look at Jarome Luai and Preston Campbell, they are very similar, cagey, hard to catch and cheeky.

I look at Nathan Cleary and see Craig Gower in how they defend like a second-rower. Their kicking game and their composure under pressure and their overall control of the game.

Viliame Kikau is Tony Puletua, sitting on the left hand side whilst Luke Priddis and Api Koroisau are crafty hookers who are always asking a lot of questions around dummy half.

As for the big one this Sunday everyone keeps saying the Panthers have to go to another level, I don’t see that, I see Melbourne having to step up to The Panthers level.

I think Penrith’s youth will be a huge advantage, whilst they respect and appreciate the opposition they also have no fear, and that no fear attitude can give them the premiership they so thoroughly deserve.

THE MIGHTY PENRITH PANTHERS

Panthers dominate at Dally M Awards

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n a virtual event at the Fox Sports studios, a remarkable finish went down to the final round, Canberra Raiders five-eighth Jack Wighton (26 votes) topped polling over Parramatta Eels fullback Clint Gutherson (25 votes) and Penrith Panthers halfback Nathan Cleary (24 votes).

Approaching a dramatic Round 20, all three players could have taken out the Dally M Medal based on the final round of polling.

Multiple former Dally M winner Cameron Smith rounded out the top four with 22 points.

This year’s Dally M Awards for the first time featured a full 13-man team as its Team of the Year.

The Panthers continued their remarkable season, by earning six awards; Coach of the Year Ivan Cleary, Halfback of the Year Nathan Cleary, Prop of the Year James Fisher-Harris, Second Rower of the Year Viliame Kikau, Lock of the Year Isaah Yeo, and Centre of the Year Stephen Crichton.

Their opponents in the NRL Telstra Premiership Grand Final at ANZ Stadium, Melbourne Storm, scored Winger of the Year Josh Addo-Carr and Hooker of the Year Cameron Smith.

Due to the restrictions prompted by COVID-19, the ceremony was held in three separate studios at Fox Sports, Artarmon, and featured state-of-the-arts graphics by the Fox Sports broadcast.This evening’s ceremony featured technology used by Disney to present a live virtual event to honour Rugby League’s best and fairest. It was the first time such technology had been used in Australia.

Fox Sports used all three studios at the same time to ensure hosts and guests were separated, which has never been done for a broadcast before by Fox Sports.

“Tonight we honoured our most exceptional players in an extraordinary season,’’ NRL CEO Andrew Abdo said on the night.

“Despite unprecedented challenges our players took our game to a new level in 2020.

Tonight we celebrated our very best, those who provided so much excitement and hope during a challenging time in our community.

“Congratulations to Jack on creating history, winning the Dally M Medal in such a tough and uncompromising season. His feats will forever be etched into rugby league folklore.”

THE MIGHTY PENRITH PANTHERS

player profiles with mark geyer

1. Dylan Edwards Has had an out of the box season, improving in every facet of his game.

Statistically, he is the number 1 for fullbacks under the high ball but it’s his newfound ability with ball in hand that has been the real bonus for the Panthers this season.

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2. Josh Mansour “The Sauce” or better known as “Father Time” has found the eternal spring in his step and is playing just as good now as he ever has.

His charges out of the back field are responsible for setting up most of the Panthers sets.

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3. Brent Naden A shock omission in the Prelim Final against the Rabbitohs last Saturday night but looks to have retained his position in the starting line for the biggest game of his life. Adds unpredictability and speed which will both be needed to overcome the Storm.

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THE MIGHTY PENRITH PANTHERS

player profiles with mark geyer

4. Stephen Crichton Crichton has been a sensational highlight package this season, scoring 16 tries in his 21 appearances and to top it off, was named at Centre in the Dally M Team of the Year. At only 20 years of age, the sky is the limit for the St Clair Comets Junior.

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5. Brian To’o Panthers Rookie of the Year last season, To’o has been a wonderful find for the Mountain Men. Like Mansour, starts the Panthers sets off inevitably with one of his signature charging runs.

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6. Jarome Luai The local junior has been a revelation with his innovative ball skills this season, making him the perfect foil for halfback Nathan Cleary. Luai is a game breaker who just might win the Clive Churchill Medal on Sunday.

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THE MIGHTY PENRITH PANTHERS

player profiles with mark geyer

7. Nathan Cleary This kid already has a resume as long as your arm and yet is only 22! Ironically plays his 100th first grade game this Sunday and you get the feeling after sensationally missing out on the Dally M Player of the Year award he’ll have something special up his sleeve for Melbourne.

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8. James Tamou The 31 year old captain has been this year in a single word AWESOME! He has turned back the clock to provide the Panthers cubs the true leadership they needed. After signing with the Tigers for next season, what better way to send him off then with a Grand Final victory.

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9. Api Koroisau The Fijian national has been the buy of the year in the NRL and has also provided the Panthers with a real focal point around the dummy half position.

An amazing season to be honest.

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THE MIGHTY PENRITH PANTHERS

player profiles with mark geyer

10. James Fisher-Harris The man of few words who does all of his talking on the footy field.

Every team needs a ‘Fish’, a player that every other players want to play with.

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11. Viliame ‘Billy’ Kikau He missed the Prelim Final against Souths because of suspension and would have had a few nervous moments last Saturday. Now he’s fit and ready to take on the Storm this Sunday – LOOK OUT!

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12. Liam Martin The Temora Junior has been one of the Panthers most consistent performers this season and in doing so has him on the shortlist to be included in the Origin squad of 27 this year. A game breaker who hits like an axe and goes all day.

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THE MIGHTY PENRITH PANTHERS

player profiles with mark geyer

13. Isaah Yeo The Dubbo Junior and future captain of the Panthers has had a sensational season.

Since being moved from an edge into the middle, he has made every single second count. Also destined for the sky blue jersey of NSW.

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14. Tyrone May Proved last week how versatile he is by slotting into the centres in place of Brent Naden. His utility value in such a big game cannot be underestimated and will be more than handy off the bench this Sunday.

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15. Moses Leota The St Marys Junior wrecking ball has developed his game so much that he too is knocking on the door of origin. Moses always had 1 or 2 mistakes in his game that he’s now erased making him a real weapon coming off the bench.

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THE MIGHTY PENRITH PANTHERS

player profiles with mark geyer

16. Zane Tetevano MR. IMPACT! You always know the exact moment Tetevano enters the game off the bench because he makes an immediate impact. One of the 3 current Panthers to have already won a comp which cannot be discounted.

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17. Kurt Capewell The versatile Capewell will start Sunday’s game off the bench and provide valuable versatility whilst being able to play anywhere in the Forwards as well as the outside backs.

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COACH Ivan Cleary What a job the main man at the foot of the Mountains has done. Almost 5 years to the day when he was told his services were no longer needed or wanted, he finds himself one win away from the Holy Grail. Epic effort Cleary has had on these Panthers in this unprecedented season.

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Penny PantherS Go You Good Things!!

Free 2020 Penrith Panthers Team Poster brought to you by

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MG ACTIV

PENRITH AND PROUD What a year!

It has been the most challenging year in living memory, but the Panthers have excelled beyond belief.

The Penrith community are behind you every step of the way.

You’ve done us proud, boys.

an

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THE MIGHTY PENRITH PANTHERS

Cleary goes from cheap seats to centre stage

By Troy Whittaker, NRL.com Reporter

W

hen his father Ivan last coached a team to the grand final in 2011, Nathan Cleary reckons he watched from the nosebleeds section of ANZ Stadium.

“Dad didn’t get us good seats,” Cleary lamented to NRL.com.

Ivan’s Warriors lost to the Sea Eagles that day, but on Sunday he’ll get another shot at a maiden title when the Panthers face the Storm.

This time Nathan will be right in the thick of the action and influencing the outcome as Penrith’s star halfback.

The 22-year-old reflected on some of his memories surrounding the decider nine years ago as he prepares to play his 100th game.

“It was pretty crazy. The thing I remember most was how much it meant to the Warriors fans and stuff like that,” Cleary junior said.

“I think there are probably a lot of similarities, I guess, with fan bases from the Warriors to Penrith. They all just love their footy so much. When the team’s doing well, it seems like the town’s doing well.

“I don’t really remember too much of what [Ivan] was like. I just remember game-day. I guess I’ll see what he’s like this week.

“It was cool to be there. All the fans did like a Haka before the game too. I think a lot of Penrith fans will be there this weekend.

“I can’t wait to see what it’s like.”

It was only four years ago that Cleary endured a testing NRL debut against his upcoming opponents Melbourne.

He was targeted in defence but stood his ground and completed 38 tackles in a 24-6 loss at AAMI Park.

“I just remember they kept running at me. That’s all I really remember,” Cleary said.

“And obviously it was pretty cool to be able to debut against people like Cam Smith, Cooper Cronk and that.

“It was a bit of a whirlwind of a week. I just couldn’t believe I was going to play NRL. It was such a surreal feeling.

“I’m just grateful to reach this far. One hundred games - it’s been a crazy journey, a lot of ups and downs already.

“To be able to do it in a grand final, it’s crazy.”

Jamie Soward partnered Cleary in the halves for his first game in 2016. It ended up being his last NRL appearance. “[Cleary] always seemed like a cool-headed kid that respected the value of coming through the grades,” Soward said.

“It never felt like he’d been given anything, you know what I mean?

He never acted like he had to be given anything, he always paid respects to the older guys, listened, trained hard, all that kind of stuff.

“Looking back you saw an old head on young shoulders. His development I think in the last year has been [helped by] learning along the way of James Maloney and hanging around those older guys as a younger kid your whole life in the footy circles.

“And now, it seems like he’s 30 and been here a thousand times before. I saw a real maturity at such a young age and he’s able to now hopefully turn that into a grand final win for the Panthers.”

Soward, who played 215 matches and won the 2010 premiership with the Dragons, was struck by Cleary’s assured demeanour.

“Some kids come in and debut and they’re nervous,” he said.

“He came into I think the hardest place to play on debut, the halves, and the confidence that he had and got from the team straight away showed.

“They went on a run later that year and ended up making the eight and getting themselves into the second week of the finals. He showed that maturity early on that I’m not sure everyone has.

“And it’s hard now for halfbacks because you want them to be Nathan Cleary, but there’s only one Nathan Cleary.

“I don’t think you can hold the horses back too long. I wouldn’t say he pushed me out, but if he’s the guy that pushed me out at the end of my career then I’m pretty happy to say it was him.”

For his part, Cleary credited his family with passing on the measured traits that have propelled his success.

“Dad and my Mum have instilled that [maturity] in me from a pretty young age. Especially Dad, I think it’s his characteristics,” he said.

What better way to thank him for that than with a premiership?

THE MIGHTY PENRITH PANTHERS

Photo supplied by Veronica Wilkinson of her family. (L-R) Reg Menz, age 82 (my Dad), Tim Wilkinson, age 57 (my husband), Riley Szokolai, age 11 (my grandson) (our daughter’s eldest child), Nicole Bernard, age 28 (my daughter-in-law), Dylan Wilkinson, age 27 (my son).

There’s no fan more committed than a Panther fan

By KERRIE DAVIES

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ou can search far and wide but you’ll find it difficult to find a more committed footy fan than the Panther fan.

While many NRL Clubs gain fair-weather supporters when they’re winning, those who follow the Penrith Panthers show unwavering support regardless of how the season is going.

And this year it is time for Panthers fans to bask in the glory and and all the fanfare that comes with a freak winning streak, a minor premiership and a grand final!

The local family pictured boasts four generations of Panther fans.

“We are 4 generations of Penrith Panther supporters since the club was established in 1967!” said Veronia Wilkinson.

“My 82-year-old father, Reg Menz, has lived in Penrith since the early 1950s, he and our entire family have been Panther fans since the day the “Chocolate Soldiers” first ran on to the field.”

Like many other local families, Veronica said the Penrith Panthers were a major part of her childhood and that has continued through adulthood.

“Growing up during the 60s, 70s and 80s, every Sunday home game we would put on our handknitted jumpers, scarves and beanies and pile into the car at 11am and head down to Penrith’s football ground to watch all three games of football, those games being the Under 21’s, Reserve Grade and First Grade games.

“We always sat on the grassy hill at the northern end of the field.

My siblings and I had a huge crocheted blanket to sit on while my Dad, Mum and Nanna (who lived with us) had their fold up picnic chairs.

“There was always a large cane basket full of snacks, cordial and a thermos of tea. Dad had would buy us all a hotdog to eat for lunch during the Reserve Grade game, it was a big treat!

“Believe it or not, my Mum and Nanna always brought their knitting

with them to do during the games and accidently dropped a lot of stitches when the game got really exciting.

“Sadly, they have both passed away (my Mum only three years ago), they would be so happy to see the team that we have this year.

“A lot has changed with the game and at Penrith’s home ground over the years, but one thing is certain, our family will always be dedicated Penrith Panther fans!”

Veronica’s memories are similar to many others who’ve grown up around the footy. Many speak of family days on the hill, swinging off the old scoreboard, the different chants over the years and the kids collecting the discarded beer cans to make a bit of pocket money.

In Penrith we adore our beloved Panthers and just like the generations of fans before us, the generations to come after us will be as dedicated to the Panthers as we all are today.

Go the mighty Panthers!

Go the Mighty Panthers!

Let’s bring it home

THE MIGHTY PENRITH PANTHERS

Penrith pimps up to support

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THE MIGHTY PENRITH PANTHERS

Where were you when..

Penrith won in 1991 Life seemed simpler in Australia in 1991, and when Penrith Panthers won the grand final; Bob Hawke was Prime Minister The highest selling song was Everything I do, I do for you (Bryan Adams) Terminator 2: Judgement Day was popular at the movies, A Country Practice was still popular on telly and the most sought after item on the Christmas list was a Super Soaker.

Penrith Panthers team jersey and colours

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enrith’s uniform colours in the 1966 NSWRL Second Division and earlier years were blue and white but due to the Cronulla-Sutherland side registering a predominantly blue jersey design first, and with Newtown, Canterbury, Eastern Suburbs and Parramatta also displaying various shades of blue, Penrith went in search of an alternative.

A decision was made to change their colours to Brown with a white V.[14] This decision subsequently earned them the affectionate name of the “Chocolate Soldiers” thanks to radio commentator Frank Hyde who wrote in the Penrith Club journal “these chocolate soldiers from out west – they don’t melt!”.

In 2003 John Howard was Prime Minister Guy Sebastian was our topseller with Angels brought me here Lord of the Rings - The Return of the Kings had people flocking to the flicks and the most sought after toy on the Chrissy list was a Hokey Pokey Elmo

And while we are talking colours, Fancy a feed?

Quench your thirst?

How cool is this Panthers fans? ♥♥♥♥ Available now at Panthers Penrith