Perhaps the most tears on what will be an emotional Saturday night at Centrebet Stadium will come when fans think of Trent Waterhouse.
Waterhouse emerged as a superstar when Penrith won the premiership in 2003, and while much has changed since then, he remains a legend of the club and will remembered as a very special player.
“It’s hard to believe it’s come around so quick,” Waterhouse said of his last game at the hallowed turf of Penrith Park.
“It seems like only yesterday I was starting out in my career.”
Waterhouse recalls playing at Penrith Stadium when he was just seven-years-old. 23 years later, he goes out a Panther hero.
"There’s no better atmosphere than when Penrith Park is full,” he said.
“Hopefully we get a big crowd and get a win [on Saturday].”
Waterhouse is a one-club man, having made his debut for the Panthers back in 2002 against Melbourne.
He experienced premiership success the next year and went on to play 11 tests for Australia.
He played Origin football as late as 2010 but salary cap constraints have forced him out of the Panthers. He’ll head to England to finish his career.
“I’m not too sure if I’ll be able to come back and finish a season here,” Waterhouse said.
“I am 30 now and I’ll be 33 then, I’ll have to see how the body feels.”
Waterhouse has played more than 150 first grade matches.
