There’s a photo of Daine Laurie going around, I’m sure you’ve all seen it, it’s made the rounds before the last three Grand Finals. It’s a picture of Laurie wearing a Penrith jersey while giving a big thumbs up out of his car window.
It was so controversial in 2021 because he was playing for the Wests Tigers at the time. He even had to issue an apology to Tigers supporters and explain to them that he was only wearing a Penrith jersey because he was happy his ‘good mates’ had just won the competition.
Now while Laurie may not be in the starting 17 when the Panthers run out to face the Melbourne Storm this Sunday, this year, the photo, which is being used again by a betting agency, at least makes sense.
He returned to the foot of the mountains at the end of 2023 and in 2024 Laurie has had a hand in helping the team he loves so much, reach their fifth straight Grand Final.
Laurie played 16 first grade games this season and at one stage was in such red-hot form that coach Ivan Cleary had to find a spot for him somewhere in the team.
Unfortunately, Laurie ended up on the wing for a couple of weeks, now unfortunately wing is not his strongest position and he was dropped shortly after.
However, there’s no doubt he put in several Man-of-the-Match performances which helped the team get enough wins to finish second at the end of the regular season.
Laurie along with 11 other players can be proud that they played a big part in helping the NRL side reach the ‘big dance’ once again.
Let’s remember rugby league is a team sport and despite superstars like Nathan Cleary, Dylan Edwards and Isaah Yeo playing a bigger role than others when the team runs on to the field, without their 16 teammates each week, they could not win a game on their own.
At the end of each year, only 17 players will get to play in the Grand Final. Other players like Daine Laurie, Trent Toelau, Jack Cole or even Mavrik Geyer will all watch the game from the sideline but they are as much a part of the team as the players who will run out on to the surface at Accor Stadium.
Whether it’s one game, two or 16 like Daine Laurie, I’d like to salute every player who played first grade for the Panthers in 2024.
I’d also like to acknowledge every player who trained with the team since last November.
The players who ran decoy plays at training, who participated in opposed sessions or filled in when the superstars were missing during State of Origin.
You all deserve a pat on the back.
Congratulations boys, you all played your part. Now it’s time for the final 17 to do their bit.
Here is the full list of players and the amount of first grade games they played for Penrith in 2024.
Trent Toelau (13 games), Mavrik Geyer (12 games), Jack Cole (eight games), Taylan May (eight games), Casey McLean (seven games), Luron Patea (three games), Luke Sommerton (three games), Jesse McLean (two games), Soni Luke (two games), Tyrone Peachey (two games), Preston Riki (one game).
Peter Lang
Peter Lang is an experienced sports writer, who has been covering rugby league for several decades. He first wrote Lang on League for the Weekender in the 1990s, and worked for Panthers on its famous Panthers Magazine for several years.