Josh Mansour is one of Penrith’s longest serving players, having made his NRL debut back in 2012. However, despite his long affiliation with the Panthers club, only now does the former NSW Origin winger feel right at home.
During the off-season, the 28-year-old along with his wife Daniella and one-year-old daughter Siana finally made the move out west after they packed up and sold their Wolli Creek apartment and moved into a large family home – complete with swimming pool – in beautiful Leonay.
Following nearly a decade of battling traffic on busy Parramatta Road, Mansour is not only happy training is 10 minutes away but also grateful that he lives in a friendly and leafy suburb to raise his young family.
“It’s awesome… I definitely feel more connected to the area now. Honestly, I love living out here,” Mansour told the Weekender.
“I used to hear from all the boys who had made the move and I never quite understood it until I moved myself.
“From going down to the shops to walking your dog, everyone is so friendly and nice. You definitely feel part of the area more.”
Mansour, who moved into the property before Christmas, said he’s already getting to know his new neighbours – and one of them is more than familiar.
“I literally live down the road from Ivan Cleary, so there won’t be too many house parties at my place,” Mansour laughed.
“The funny thing was when I moved in, the whole street somehow knew I moved into the house. I had a few Christmas cards welcoming me to the area. It’s a lovely street with lovely people.”
While Mansour is still getting used to Penrith’s uncomfortably warm nights, he does appreciate how close his home is to the club’s training facility on Mulgoa Road.
The former Test winger said the proximity allows him to spend more time with his wife and baby girl.
With the 2019 NRL season fast approaching, Mansour has plenty to look forward to this year with the impending birth of his second child this August.
Mansour said he can’t wait for his daughter to become a big sister.
“I’m absolutely stoked but a bit nervous as well. Having two kids is a completely different ball game but we’re doing a pretty good job with one so far, so we’re definitely excited,” he said.
Mansour is currently deep into pre-season training ahead of Penrith’s first trial match next month.
Nathan Taylor is the Weekender’s Deputy Editor and Senior Sports Writer. He also compiles the weekly Chatter on the Box TV column. Nathan is an award-winning journalist, who has worked at the Weekender for a decade.
