The pieces are starting to come together as far as Penrith’s time away from BlueBet Stadium is concerned.
While the club is close to locking in a deal to play most of its home matches at CommBank Stadium in 2025 while their home in Penrith is redeveloped, they’re also taking the opportunity to take more games on the road.
This afternoon, the club confirmed it would play a home game in Mudgee in both the 2025 and 2026 seasons.
The 2026 match will be early in the year, part of a strategy to try to book as many games at BlueBet Stadium in the latter half of the year as possible, as preparation for potential construction delays.
Mid Western Regional Council Mayor Des Kennedy expressed his excitement about the upcoming Panthers visits, emphasising the significance of these events for both football enthusiasts and the local economy.
“We are thrilled to welcome the Panthers to Mudgee in 2025 and 2026. This marks the first time the Panthers will play in Mudgee, a testament to the unwavering support from NRL fans across the region,” he said.
“Hosting premiership games is not only a win for sports enthusiasts but also brings significant economic benefits to the region, with thousands of fans expected to travel and spend in the region’s towns on accommodation, dining, and retail.”
Penrith will continue their long-standing deal in Bathurst, to run concurrent with the Mudgee deal.
“Country rugby league is the heart and soul of our sport, and we are passionate about supporting grassroots footy,” said Panthers Group CEO, Brian Fletcher.
“The people of the Central West region have truly embraced our club and we are delighted to now enter into this agreement with Mid-Western Regional Council for the next two years.
“Not only will the Panthers play a premiership match in 2025 and 2026 at Glen Willow Regional Sports Complex, the club will immerse itself in the Mudgee community with a Play Like a Panther Rugby League Clinic confirmed for each year.”
Penrith will also likely give up a home game to Magic Round in both 2025 and 2026.
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.
