Panthers on the prowl
Before they got stuck into preparing for this Sunday’s blockbuster against the Cronulla Sharks at Allegiant Stadium, Panthers coach Ivan Cleary allowed his side to enjoy all the fun and excitement that Las Vegas is known for.
Not long after they arrived in Sin City, players hit nearby Fremont Street in Downtown Las Vegas to check out all the wackiness of this iconic tourist destination.
Over the weekend, much of the team attended a Vegas Golden Knights NHL game at T-Mobile Arena. Panthers co-captain Isaah Yeo was even part of a special rugby league promotion on the ice alongside Canberra Raiders skipper Joe Tapine and bunch of Aussie footy fans.
Footy flight chaos
Plenty of NRL fans were left scrambling to adjust holiday details over the past week with numerous cancelled flights to the USA in response to the Chinese war ship situation. Some were given less than 24 hours’ notice of cancellations, others had their trips cut short.
Hopefully everyone will be in Las Vegas in time for the action on the weekend.
More footy flight chaos
There were some issues for the Panthers and Raiders on their domestic flight from San Francisco to Las Vegas last week. Both teams were on the same plane, which meant an endless amount of gear and equipment came with them.
We’ve heard that the plane was over the maximum weight limit, which resulted in the flight being delayed an hour. The airline was forced to make an announcement to all passengers, offering a $500 voucher to anyone who was willing to get off the plane and check themselves onto a later flight.
Unsurprisingly, no-one from the Panthers or Raiders put their hand up.
Pubs take on Vegas
If you’re not able to be in Las Vegas for this Sunday’s season opener against the Sharks, an array of local pubs and clubs are hosting various Vegas themed parties including St Marys Leagues Club, the Log Cabin Hotel, Drink West, Kingswood Sports Club and of course, Panthers World of Entertainment.
The Panthers Las Vegas Experience will take place in The Backyard and will feature free, family-friendly entertainment. There will be plenty of prizes and giveaways to be won; food stations and a dessert bar; everyone’s favourite Panthers mascot and the Pantherettes will be in attendance; kids rides, a jumping castle and face painting will be on offer; and if you get to the club early enough, Kelly’s is offering a $25 Breakfast & Beer combo. It’s almost better than the real thing!
Surprise for Brandy
Penrith legend Greg Alexander was ready in his usual attire of an old pair of shorts and a t-shirt for his trip into Fox Sports for a shift last Saturday. He then got a call from Fox Sports bosses saying he needed to dress up for the day as high-level executives were in town.
Turns out it was all part of a sneaky plan to ensure Brandy looked presentable for a surprise 60th birthday put on by his family upon his return. The great man will hit the magic milestone on March 4.
Spotted
Panthers players getting into the US pastime of shooting! Vegas is known for its gun ranges and several players were seen having a blast at Battlefield Vegas, an indoor shooting range and outdoor military museum located off the Vegas strip. I heard young gun Luron Patea was quite the marksman!
Spotted
Panthers forward Matt Eisenhuth enjoying iconic US band The Eagles at The Sphere.
Spotted
Before they departed for the US last week, Liam Martin, Matt Eisenhuth and Luke Sommerton were caught leaving the Panthers Academy on a coffee run for some of their teammates.
Don’t forget the two iced caramel lattes and two iced long blacks, boys!
Spotted
A couple of Vegas-bound Panthers fans walking down Broadway in Nashville in Penrith gear.
Panthers extend marketing
Penrith has been running cheeky ads in newspapers in Parramatta, making themselves welcome at CommBank Stadium and preparing for the city to become a second home over the next couple of years.
Perhaps they’re hoping to win over weary Eels fans, or grab interest from casual followers who may be keen to see the four-time Premiers in action this season.
Premiers hand back trophy early
Before the Panthers departed for the US, they had the difficult task of returning the Provan-Summons Trophy to the NRL in time for the new season.
In a fascinating interview with the SMH last weekend, Penrith coach Ivan Cleary said: “You get the honour and memories forever, but essentially once the new season starts, you have no more rights to the trophy than anyone else – that’s the mentality we have”.
It’s expected the Panthers will be reunited with the iconic trophy in early October.
Spill the tea
As always, I want to hear your news, gossip and thoughts in 2025. You can email me at [email protected]. I don’t keep secrets, but I do protect my sources.
Masked Panther
The Masked Panther is the most mysterious journalist of all. He has the inside word on everything happening in rugby league.