Foundation Penrith Panthers player Ernie Gillon has died.
Born in 1942, Gillon started his rugby league career with Parramatta before switching to Penrith for their inaugural season in 1967.
He would go on to play 62 games for the Panthers across four seasons.
Officially credited as Panther #5, Gillon played centre for Penrith in their inaugural first grade match against Canterbury in 1967.
“It’s with deep sadness that Panthers acknowledges the passing of Panther No. 5, Ernie Gillon,” the club said this afternoon.
“The foundation player played in our first ever game and was part of the club’s maiden victory against Newtown.”
The Panthers will likely acknowledge Gillon’s passing at night’s game against the Broncos.
Troy Dodds is the Weekender’s Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia’s leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.
