Since arriving at the foot of the Mountains two seasons ago, life has been nothing but a dream for Panthers backrower Luke Garner.
In 2023, he won his first NRL Grand Final and then backed it up with a proposal to his beautiful partner Ashley. And in 2024, he conquered the NRL once more with Penrith and tied the knot just weeks later.
To say Garner’s tenure at the Panthers has been short but sweet would be a massive understatement, but the Queenslander isn’t taking anything for granted.
“The past couple of years have been pretty crazy,” the 29-year-old told the Weekender.
“’23 Grand Final and got engaged and ’24 Grand Final and got married. It’s getting better and better!
“Hopefully ’25 is another big step in my life and we can get another one done.”
Whether that’s a baby, a premiership ring or both, time will tell, but it’s clear that the former Wests Tigers forward has well and truly found a home for himself at the Panthers.
Garner said after an off-season spent honeymooning in beautiful Italy, it was a challenge to return to pre-season training initially.
“There were definitely moments where I wanted the off-season to last longer because I knew what was ahead of me at pre-season training, but after a while that feeling passed and I was pretty keen to get fit again and see my mates every day,” he said.
While there was plenty of hot and humid days running up and down the Penrith Rugby League Academy training field this summer, the Panthers also trekked out to Katoomba in January for a two-day bonding camp that involved abseiling and canyoning. Garner said some of his non-adventurous teammates were out of their comfort zone a little.
“I’ve done a bit of abseiling before, so it wasn’t super scary for me, it was actually pretty enjoyable and fun,” he said.
“We obviously had professional guides with us and they make you feel really comfortable.
“There were a few boys that were definitely out of their comfort zone though, but we just got around them and they enjoyed by the end.”
Rugby league clubs are synonymous for bonding camps that are designed to test one’s limits, with Garner admitting they can be hugely beneficial when under pressure during a game.
“I think it can be [beneficial] being put in different positions where your fatiguing or your physically or mentally challenged,” Garner said.
“Some of the boys have a fear of heights and then have to overcome that. Like I said, you just rally around each other, create that team environment and get through it together.”
Garner and the rest of his teammates will be going on the adventure of their lives this week when they travel to Las Vegas for the NRL season opener.
Garner, no stranger to the fun of the Vegas Strip, said he can’t wait to return to the famous American city and prepare for their clash against the Sharks.
“I think it would be tough if you had to miss the Vegas trip… you’d be pretty upset,” he said.
“I went to Vegas about five years ago and I’m looking forward to getting back there. It will be a different trip this time around though.
“It will be cool to look back one day and say I played at Allegiant Stadium. I’ll be a kid in a candy shop when I’m there, but ultimately, we want to win the game and that’s what we are there for!”
Nathan Taylor
Nathan Taylor is the Weekender's Deputy Editor and Senior Sports Writer. He also compiles the weekly Chatter on the Box TV column. Nathan is an award-winning journalist, who has worked at the Weekender for a decade.