Panthers party hard
Panthers players didn’t arrive back at the Leagues Club until around 2am on Monday morning, after spending several hours soaking up their Grand Final triumph at Accor Stadium.
The crowd that greeted them back at the club was arguably bigger than the 2022 and 2023 nights.
The players continued on to party with friends, family and key sponsors in a private function at the EVAN Theatre until the sun came up, with the celebrations continuing in a more subdued manner at the Panthers Academy the next day – with most players spotted sporting a fresh change of clothes.
A boat trip in Sydney was also on the agenda.
On Wednesday, the players gathered at The Backyard in the Leagues Club – presented to thousands of adoring fans who turned up to join the celebrations.
Tastes like a four-peat
Tooheys produced a specially labelled beer to celebrate Penrith’s four-peat success and victory over Melbourne in last Sunday’s Grand Final. Players and officials were spotted drinking the Tooheys New bottles as part of their celebrations last Sunday night. No word yet on if there will be a public release of the special label.
Rusty rides again
Talking of commemorative beers, Penrith brewery Rusty Penny is taking pre-orders for its 2024 Premiers Lager. The special beer follows the same design as the previous three seasons, and is available in four-packs for $25.
Smith’s shock selection
There’s not too many traditional bolters in representative teams these days, with leaks and the 24/7 nature of rugby league meaning there’s very few surprises. But Lindsay Smith’s selection in the Kangaroos team certainly surprised many on Monday, not that he’ll let anyone down.
He had a sensational Grand Final and just proves that the production line at Penrith is continuing along nicely. It was also wonderful to see Isaah Yeo named Australian captain, while Dylan Edwards and Liam Martin were also named in the Kangaroos squad for the upcoming Pacific Championship.
There was no sign of Nathan Cleary, who will undergo shoulder surgery in an effort to be back in time for the pre-season.
World Club Challenge all but gone
Penrith are adamant they won’t be able to fit the World Club Challenge into their schedule next season, given so many players are involved in the Pacific Championships and the side has to travel to Las Vegas in late February.
The NRL is looking at various avenues, hopeful of saving the game, but it appears very unlikely – with CEO Brian Fletcher all but ruling out the game going ahead earlier in the week.
Brandy loses 91 mementos
Panthers legend Greg Alexander has misplaced his 1991 Grand Final jersey, and the medal he received on the day (before the days of Premiership rings). Brandy was sure he had it in storage somewhere – but hasn’t been able to track either of the cherished momentos down.
Fox joins the party
Olympic Gold Medal hero Jessica Fox was front and centre for Penrith’s Grand Final celebrations on Sunday. She was on the field post-game and then joined the players in the dressing room to celebrate the incredible triumph. She even got to test out Isaah Yeo’s four Premiership rings (pictured below).
Fox continued to party with the players at the EVAN Theatre function into the early hours of the morning.
Shop bungle
Many Panthers fans thought they’d landed on a massive bargain on Sunday night when Premiers merchandise appeared on the club’s online shop with massive discounts. Turns out it was a technical error and the orders were refunded, with a discount offered as an apology.
Spotted
Jarome Luai scoring an extra steak at the Merv Cartwright Medal.
Signing off
That’s it from me this year. It’s been fun bringing you all the bits and pieces each week from Pantherland, and I’m happy to report that I’ll be back in 2025.
Masked Panther
The Masked Panther is the most mysterious journalist of all. He has the inside word on everything happening in rugby league.