One of Penrith Junior League’s most well-known clubs is celebrating its 30th anniversary this season and they have big plans to mark the milestone.
The Glenmore Park Brumbies were established in 1993 with just nine teams. These days they are fielding more than 40, which includes one of the strongest female programs in the local area.
Newly elected Glenmore Park Brumbies President Sean Warden, who first played with the Brumbies as a child back in 1996, said the 2023 rugby league season will have some special touches.
“This year, we will be playing in a special retro strip, inspired by the first playing strip used in the ’90s,” he told the Weekender.
“We will also hold a 30-year reunion dinner later in the year for current and past members to celebrate.”
While the Brumbies have seen thousands of players wear their maroon, yellow and white uniforms over the years, they have also helped form the careers of several notable players in both the NRL and NRLW competitions.
Sydney Roosters superstar Joseph Suaalii was a Brumby growing up as was new Dolphins half Sean O’Sullivan and exciting Titans fullback Jayden Campbell.
Roosters NRLW Premiership winner Sarah Togatuki spent time in Glenmore Park as did Dragon Shaylee Bent, and even former Panthers captain Petero Civoniceva wore the Brumbies jumper, playing in their A Grade team in front of a packed Ched Towns Reserve.
Warden said he loves the Brumbies with a passion, and all the amazing, hardworking people that make up the club.
“Since my Dad signed me up in 1996, I have always felt at home being part of the Brumbies. The club has always had a good culture, encouraging kids to participate in and enjoy rugby league,” he said.
“There have been many good people at this club over 30 years, who have given a lot of their life to the club to help it evolve into one of the strongest clubs in the district. I enjoyed some of my greatest moments of my teenage years wearing the Brumbies jersey. The club is a part of who I am, and I’m proud to see my kids now wearing the jersey.”
In 2023, the club’s main focus will be developing the next generation of female rugby league players. With the newly announced Panthers Rugby League Women’s (PRLW) U20s competition about to get underway, Brumbies players will now have a direct pathway to the big league.
In addition to the PRLW pathway, the Brumbies are attempting – for the first time in their 30-year history – to field female-only teams in every grade from U6’s through to A Grade.
“We are returning to pre-season training next week, and we are looking at filling as many age groups as possible with all-girls teams,” Coaches Co-Ordinator, Geoff Camilleri said.
“We are also still on the search for coaches interested in coaching female rugby league and we are still looking for sponsorships.”
Nathan Taylor
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.