Tributes to a legend
The Panthers were quick to post a social media tribute to John Sattler on Monday following his passing at the age of 80.
“Vale John Sattler. Our thoughts are with the entire Sattler family at this time,” the post said.
While John was a South Sydney man to the core, the Sattler family is very important to the Panthers given son Scott’s 118 games for the club from 1999 to 2003.
John and Scott came together for a fun rivalry photo in 2021 (pictured below) ahead of Penrith and Souths double battle in the Grand Final that year.
Stadium silence
The Liberal Party put out a sneaky tweet last week suggesting Labor Candidate for Penrith, Karen McKeown, opposes the proposed new Penrith Stadium.
It stems from Council’s involvement in the stadium debate last year and is one of those political claims that circles the truth without quite landing on it.
What is true is that it’s less likely the new stadium will go ahead at the Paceway and Showground site if Labor win the election. They’re not willing, unless a strong business case suggests otherwise, to entertain an expanded budget for the project. That could leave the whole project in a difficult position – knocking down and re-building essentially the same stadium on the existing site would be illogical and make little sense – which is why the Paceway and Showground concept came to the fore.
Labor’s candidate for Penrith, Karen McKeown OPPOSES the proposed new Penrith Stadium. Don’t let NSW stall under Labor. #NSWVotes #NSWPol pic.twitter.com/15d3zwJHuY
— Liberal Party NSW (@LiberalNSW) March 16, 2023
Shhh!
Which Channel Nine commentator rudely snubbed a fan from the corporate area at BlueBet Stadium wanting a photo recently? He eventually agreed to the photo, despite looking less than impressed.
Luai’s touching gesture
They are the images that have touched the rugby league community’s heart – Panthers five-eighth Jarome Luai visiting young fan Nicholas in hospital in Queensland.
Nicholas was involved in the Sea World helicopter accident earlier this year and faces an enormous health battle ahead. He’s a big Panthers fan and Luai didn’t hesitate in paying the youngster a visit. You can see more pics on the club’s social channels.
World Cup support
Panthers co-captain Nathan Cleary is leading a push for Ukraine to play in the next Rugby League World Cup. Cleary, who has some Ukrainian heritage, is helping push awareness for the country’s campaign for recognition as a legitimate rugby league competitor and its current struggles after the Russian invasion last year.
Henry’s extended deal
The Panthers continue to show their hand when it comes to the forward pack of the future, extending the contract of 21-year-old prop Liam Henry until the end of the 2026 season. He was already locked in to Penrith until the end of 2024.
Dolphins tickets selling fast
There’s not many tickets left for the Dolphins’ first ever clash with Penrith at Kayo Stadium in Redcliffe on July 16. Only single seats remain in the Platinum and Gold sections, with limited tickets available in the Silver section. If you’re thinking of heading up to the historic game, you better get your tickets now.
Easter treats
If you’re heading to the Royal Easter Show this year, don’t forget to get your hands on the Penrith Panthers showbag. It costs $30 this year and includes a cap, car sign, sports bag, pencil case, temporary tattoos, tote bag and a few other surprises.
QLD battle steals focus
Fox League got itself into an obsession this week with the ‘battle of Brisbane’ between the Dolphins and Broncos on Friday night. There’s no question it’s a big game, but they almost totally ignored the Grand Final re-match between Penrith and Parramatta. It deserved a much bigger build-up.
Cleary’s milestone
Penrith coach Ivan Cleary celebrates his 400th first grade game as an NRL coach tonight against Parramatta at CommBank Stadium.
Spill the tea
If you’ve got any Panthers goss, make sure you let me know! I don’t keep secrets but I do protect my sources. Email [email protected].
