Real story behind Yeo stuff-up
A simple post-it note blunder was the reason behind the now infamous Isaah Yeo commemorative jersey mishap last Friday.
Yeo wore a specially embroided jersey acknowledging his 250th NRL game, but keen-eyed fans noticed the wording included the wrong date – March 4 instead of April 4.
I can reveal that the error stems back to a club official, who wrote the wrong date on a post-it note when it was handed to an embroider, who simply followed the instructions provided.
The club has taken full responsibility for the mishap, which certainly left a few red faces.
Captain could jump ship
Talking of Isaah Yeo, I’m hearing more and more that he’s eyeing an overseas move at the end of his current contract.
Yeo will be 33 when his deal expires at the end of the 2027 season and by then will likely have become the first man to play 300 games for Penrith. It’ll be an ideal time for his young family to explore the world, and there’s constant strong whispers that it’s his current desire to view opportunities in England when the time comes.
It’s a long way off, but if you were planning your 2028 Penrith squad, there’s big doubts Yeo would be in it.
Talagi not looking for exit
Despite a few rumours doing the rounds, I’m told Blaize Talagi is not looking for any sort of release from his Penrith contract. We spotted Talagi at Panthers training on Tuesday and he looked happy and content.
Give us a fifth
The Panthers are still leaning into their Hall of Fame, with temporary signage honouring Grahame Moran, Royce Simmons, Greg Alexander and Craig Gower at CommBank Stadium home games. But the fact remains that the concept has been ignored for almost a decade. Surely the time has come for a fifth inductee?
Camo in demand
After playing such a critical role in Penrith’s success both on and off the field in recent years, it’s no surprise that Panthers Rugby League CEO Matt Cameron is becoming in hot demand on the public speaking circuit.
Last week, he spoke at a business leaders luncheon presented by the Western Sydney Business Connection at Sydney Zoo. Cameron’s presentations are always impressive – so it’s no surprise the invitations keep coming.
Spotted
Mitch Kenny joining Nathan Cleary in Newcastle to watch Mary Fowler go around for the Matildas on Monday night.
Spotted
Forgotten hooker Soni Luke doing a spot of grocery shopping at Westfield Penrith over the weekend.
Brohman’s big call
Former Panther Darryl Brohman shocked listeners when he made the bold call on 2GB over the weekend that Penrith can’t win the Premiership this year.
After the Panthers slumped to a fourth straight loss on Friday night, Brohman took his big call to the airwaves on the Continuous Call Team on Saturday. He even suggested the Panthers may struggle to make the eight.
Most league experts have erred on the side of caution in writing Penrith off, knowing what this champion team has done in the past. Brohman has gone hard early – he’ll either look like a genius or will have to wipe plenty of egg off his face come October.
MG’s new podcast
Mark Geyer’s media career continues to expand. He’s now launched a new podcast, MG Life in 5ive. Joining the long list of rugby league podcasts, it’s available wherever you listen to podcasts and on YouTube. MG’s first guest on the new concept is Bryan Fletcher.
NRL’s embarrassing Tago gaffe
The sin-binning of Izack Tago last Friday night against the Cowboys has left the NRL red-faced.
The game was stopped so Tago could be sin-binned for high contact for an incident several plays earlier. When the charge sheet came out on Saturday, Tago wasn’t on it – proving it was ridiculous call from The Bunker and the referee.
The NRL is desperate to avoid criticism of referees this year. If they didn’t produce howlers like this, the criticism wouldn’t exist.
Uni partnership
The Panthers have formed a new partnership with Western Sydney University. The partnership will enhance grassroots sport, create new educational pathways, and drive initiatives that benefit the region.
It will encompass key programs focused on community engagement, career development, media collaboration, and research into the broader impact of sport. It will also include strategic efforts to enhance facilities and support programs, reinforcing a shared commitment to growth and inclusion.
Importantly, the deal will also see Penrith’s female pathway teams engaging with WSU’s Kingswood campus in terms of training and accommodation facilities.
Masked Panther
The Masked Panther is the most mysterious journalist of all. He has the inside word on everything happening in rugby league.