Iconic grandstand gone
The Western Grandstand at Penrith Park is officially no more. The final stages were demolished over the last week as the refurbishment of the stadium continues. It’s quite a shock to see it gone.
While it’s been updated and changed over the years, it has existed in some way since the 1960s – and some of the original foundations were still there.

Cleary the cover star
Nathan Cleary is set to appear on the cover of the upcoming rugby league video game, to be released on PlayStation and Xbox in July. There was surely no other choice given Cleary’s status in the game and his position as a four-time Premiership winner.
The game will have plenty of new features, but something not changing is the lead commentator – Andrew Voss from Fox Sports has got the job again. Some of his commentary in previous league games is iconic.
Garner rumours emerge
I’ve got nothing to add to the recent rumours surrounding Luke Garner’s future at the club, other than to say that often where there’s smoke, there’s fire in these situations.
Garner is off-contract at the end of the 2026 season, which means he’s free to negotiate with other clubs from November 1 for the 2027 season. While he could well be on Perth’s radar for 2027, which would keep him at Penrith next year, if he managed to sign a longer term deal elsewhere you do wonder if Penrith would let him go early.
With rumours surrounding Scott Sorensen’s future still floating around too, it does appear the Panthers are working on some roster and salary cap management for next year.

Spotted
Panthers halfback Nathan Cleary grabbing breakfast at Laughin’ Boy – sporting a Real Madrid jersey.
Editor’s red face
As you know, Troy Dodds writes the main Panthers preview in Extra Time and has done so for years. He rarely tips against Penrith – but has done so twice this year. On both occasions the Panthers have proved him wrong and got up. Can he tip against them for the rest of the year?
MG’s honour
Mark Geyer was given the honour of delivering the match ball for State of Origin II at Optus Stadium last Wednesday night. Geyer is of course one of the few rugby league identities known in Perth given his previous high profile stint with the Western Reds. Geyer only found out about the honour shortly before the game – it wasn’t the primary reason he travelled to Perth for the match.

Sorensen suspended
Penrith’s bad luck with the judiciary this year has continued, with Scott Sorensen suspended for two matches after pleading guilty to a dangerous contact charge out of the Warriors game last weekend.
Beanies for Brain Cancer
This weekend is Beanies for Brain Cancer Round, which has become a well supported initiative in the rugby league world in recent years. You can support the concept by buying a beanie at CommBank Stadium tonight when the Panthers play the Bulldogs.
Got some goss?
If you’ve spotted a player out and about or you have some gossip, we want to hear about it! Email maskedpanther@ westernweekender.com.au.

Masked Panther
The Masked Panther is the most mysterious journalist of all. He has the inside word on everything happening in rugby league.