Panthers forward Reagan Campbell-Gillard looked devastated in the stands after a fractured jaw forced him from the field against the Roosters last Friday night. Campbell-Gillard will not only miss at least the next six weeks for Penrith, but has lost the opportunity to represent the Blues in Origin II and III. The big prop had surgery on Sunday.
With Peter Wallace retired, Penrith will look to secure the long-term futures of Sione Katoa and Wayde Egan, who have been sharing the hooker role in Wallace’s absence. It’s unlikely the Panthers will go to market for a number 9, with the club keen to secure Katoa and Egan long-term. Both are off contract at the end of next season.
The NRL’s announcement of a ‘Magic Round’, where every club will play at Suncorp Stadium over one weekend in May next year, has split the game’s fans. At this stage there’s no word on if the Panthers will have to give up a home game as part of the concept, but I understand the club would be reluctant to do so. Panthers boss Phil Gould slammed the concept on social media this week.
Spotted: Isaah Yeo, Kaide Ellis, Jack Hetherington and Jed Cartwright at Hoyts Penrith last weekend catching ‘The Incredibles II’.
Known for his iconic beard, Josh Mansour has partnered with leading grooming brand, Braun, who have challenged him to participate in the ‘Sport of Shaving’ whilst he’s off the field. Perfecting your facial fuzz can be a sport in itself, taking skill and perseverance. As part of the challenge, Josh put his grooming skills to the test, experimenting and creating three different facial hair looks using Braun’s latest grooming tools.
Tyrone Peachey being sin-binned against the Roosters last Friday night was far from ideal, but it did provide for a touching moment in the sheds. Peachey headed straight for the Roosters’ rooms, where he checked on the condition of Latrell Mitchell, who had been stretchered off a short time earlier with a worrying injury. The duo are of course NSW Origin team mates.
Penrith has approached the NRL about bringing disgraced Wests Tigers player Tim Simona on board in a welfare capacity. Simona, who was exiled from the game over fraud, betting and drugs offences, is keen to repay the game. Panthers boss Phil Gould confirmed to News Limited papers that the story was true, saying Simona was keen to make up for his past mistakes.
Very sad news over the weekend with long-time Panthers supporter Harry Jackson passing away after the Roosters game last Friday night. Our thoughts are with his family.
Panthers fans have an opportunity to meet forward Trent Merrin at Glenmore Park Town Centre next week. Merrin will be near Coles from 6pm next Thursday.
