Family matters for Origin team
Blues coach Michael Maguire made a particular point of involving the families of players as much as he could during the camps and game days of the 2024 Origin series.
It’s a blueprint used successfully by the Panthers at club level. Brian To’o’s young family was there cheering him on at Suncorp Stadium. His scrapbook just keeps getting bigger.
Last Wednesday was a particularly special moment for the Panthers winger, who helped New South Wales to victory in the Origin decider against Queensland at the venue he popped the question to now-wife Moesha at back in 2021.
Dylan Edwards was among those who had his kids present to see his man-of-the-match performance.
Shield in town
The State of Origin shield visited Penrith last Sunday, with plenty of corporate-types getting a photo with the prized possession in the Chairman’s Lounge. It also made its way onto the field, where Panthers champion Royce Simmons took custody of it.
Spotted
A master and the apprentice moment, with Panthers co-captain Nathan Cleary and Dolphins young gun (and Penrith junior) Isaiya Katoa catching up after last week’s clash at BlueBet Stadium.
Hadley’s praise
2GB broadcaster Ray Hadley has called plenty of great halfbacks during his career, but he’s singled out Nathan Cleary as one of the best ever.
“There’s some great halfbacks I’ve seen over the years and Andrew Johns is the best I’ve seen. But this bloke, he’s almost Johns-like at the moment,” Hadley said after Cleary’s match-winning field goal over the Dolphins last Sunday.
“He is one hell of a player and the mark of a great player is a bloke who can do things others can’t do and that’s what he does on a regular basis.”
Quiet approach
Which high-profile Penrith executive has been sounded out by a rival NRL club? We don’t think they’re going anywhere.
Membership office
I’m told the old Panther Shop in the foyer of Panthers Leagues Club will become a footy membership office in the coming weeks as the club prepares for a challenging period ahead of 2025.
With Penrith on the road next year while the stadium is redeveloped, there will be countless issues for the membership team to overcome. That’s why the decision has been made to relocate them from the Panthers Academy to a more public-facing space in the club.
Home grounds locked in
As had been reported widely previously, Penrith will play eight home games at CommBank Stadium in Parramatta next year while BlueBet Stadium is being redeveloped. The club made the formal announcement last week, confirming that their 2025 schedule will also include home games at Magic Round, in Las Vegas, and regionally in NSW at Mudgee and Bathurst.
“CommBank Stadium offers an unparalleled rugby league experience with fans close to the action within an electrifying atmosphere, exceptional facilities, and premier corporate facilities. Playing at CommBank Stadium will open up substantial commercial opportunities, further cementing the Panthers’ status as a leading NRL club,” said Panthers Rugby League CEO, Matt Cameron.
Edwards grounded
Panthers fullback Dylan Edwards picked up a knee injury in the Origin decider that will see him out for at least three weeks. Penrith won’t be taking any risks and while he may be ready for the Eels game on August 9, a more likely return is the blockbuster clash with Melbourne on Thursday, August 15.
Spotted
Which Penrith lawyer happily handed over $10 to buy a beanie for the Panthers Foundation last Sunday, before quickly realising one of his main competitors’ logos was emblazoned across it?
Did someone say… no KFC?
Security guards at BlueBet Stadium forced a fan to throw out the KFC he’d somehow smuggled into the ground for lunch ahead of the Panthers v Dolphins game on Sunday.
It was almost embarrassing to watch the two guards surround the supporter.
Years ago there was no problem bringing outside foot into the ground. But that changed some time ago, mainly in an effort to protect food vendors inside the venue.
The irony in all of this is that KFC is a significant sponsor of the Panthers.
Masked Panther
The Masked Panther is the most mysterious journalist of all. He has the inside word on everything happening in rugby league.