Beloved stadium quickly forgotten
This is what the surface and western grandstand at Penrith Stadium currently looks like, some six months after it last hosted an NRL game.
The grass is now overgrown, while the only seats remaining are those that weren’t purchased by dedicated fans. Sponsorship signage remains up.
It won’t be long before the grandstand is demolished – a sad moment given the original 1967 stand still exists as part of the current stand.
Let’s hope the removal of the stand is done with the respect and acknowledgement it deserves.
Social post mishap
Premier Chris Minns hosted a cast of thousands at Penrith Stadium last Thursday for the obligatory shot of politicians “breaking ground” on the construction project.
But you could have been forgiven for thinking this had already happened some weeks ago.
You’re not going crazy – State MP Karen McKeown posted about the milestone of construction beginning on her Facebook page about a month ago. Problem is, it was a scheduled post that wasn’t deleted in time after the original date for the photo opportunity at the stadium was pushed back.
These events are all just for show anyway, of course.
Labor’s cringe shot at former government
Talking of the stadium redevelopment, Labor’s shot at the former Coalition government over the stadium was nothing short of embarrassing last week.
In a press release, Labor said: “After being promised by the former Government for more than five years, the Minns Labor Government has designed, acquired planning approval and begun construction within two years.”
Considering the former government wanted to deliver a much better and bigger stadium, and Labor is delivering an expensive coat of paint, they should probably leave the potshots out of it.
Spotted
Premier Chris Minns relegated to photographer duties for his staff wanting to get photos with champion Panthers halfback Nathan Cleary.
Sorensen footage not aired
Producers at Fox Sports opted not to air footage of Panthers forward Scott Sorensen having his dislocated finger put back in on the sideline against the Roosters last Saturday. They had a clear shot – but upon review, it was decided it was too gruesome to show as part of the broadcast.
Cleary’s milestone
Nathan Cleary has become the highest point scorer in Penrith’s history, surpassing Ryan Girdler’s total of 1,572 points for the club. Cleary has gone past Girdler in less than 200 first grade games for the club. Girds played 204 matches for Penrith.
Ticket prices questioned
A crowd of just over 20,000 turned up to watch the Panthers play the Roosters at Allianz Stadium on Saturday night. It was decent enough but could have been much bigger if it wasn’t for outlandish ticket prices.
With $45 the cheapest ticket for an adult, it’s no wonder many people choose to stay at home and watch the footy from the comfort of their lounge room.
Broadcasters squabble
Things are ramping up in the war between footy broadcasters Channel Nine and Fox Sports. Both are taking regular shots at each other on programs and through columns.
‘NRL 360’ last week got petty and showed a 15-year-old photo of Danny Weidler while referencing one of his stories.
There’s no love lost between Weidler and ‘NRL 360’ host Braith Anasta. With some big names off-contract at the networks this year – including Phil Gould at Nine and Matthew Johns at Fox – as well as the NRL rights up for grabs in the near future, it’s no surprise things are getting a little tetchy.
Cleary’s sideline show
Ivan Cleary told his team he’d be watching the game from the sideline prior to kick-off against the Roosters last Saturday night. He didn’t want them to be spooked or surprised by his rare presence at ground level, so gave them a head’s up.
Spotted
Panthers co-captain Isaah Yeo with his family at the Easter Show on his day off last week. He looked deeply entrenched in dad duties.
Spotted
Panthers forward Mavrik Geyer enjoying a late breakfast at Percy Plunkett in Penrith on Easter Sunday.
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