Yeo milestone looming
Isaah Yeo could well become the most capped Panther by the end of the season.
He played his 239th game for the club last Thursday night, and now sits outright second on the list of most games for the club.
Steve Carter leads the pack with 243 games. Should Yeo play in all three final regular season games, he’ll join Carter in the first week of the Finals. How special it would be if that game was at Penrith Stadium, where both have played the majority of their matches.
Yeo would officially become the most capped Panther later in the Finals.
Stadium shake-up as seats slashed
The new-look Eastern Grandstand at Penrith Stadium will have 200 less seats than originally proposed. Infrastructure NSW has responded to a range of concerns raised through the consultation process, including from a nearby developer of a currently vacant block of land.
The Eastern Stand will now have approximately 8,800 seats, down from 9,000 originally promised. The height of the stand will be reduced by 1.41m compared to what was originally proposed. But overall capacity will not be impacted, with extra seating headed to the Western Grandstand.
Corporate switch
In addition to the stand changes, two planned lounges with capacity to hold 230 people have been dropped from the stadium plan. They’ll be replaced with more corporate suites, with the stadium to now have 34 suites or corporate boxes.
Iongi set for blue and gold
It’s no surprise to hear that Isaiah Iongi is poised to join Parramatta on a three-year deal from as early as next season.
Iongi is contracted to Penrith for 2025 but was recently given permission to negotiate with other clubs – Penrith well aware he’s unlikely to lock down a permanent first grade spot in Ivan Cleary’s side.
Iongi would likely play fullback at the Eels, ushering in a new era for the club with Clint Gutherson set for a move to the centres.
Cleary confusion
There was so much confusion surrounding Nathan Cleary’s injury last Thursday night, with Nine’s Andrew Johns even reporting he’d been taken away in an ambulance. That was never the case – he left BlueBet Stadium in a private vehicle headed for scans. He had follow-up scans the next day, which then confirmed his prognosis. The club is very confident he’ll be back for the opening weekend of the Finals.
Cleary shows up
You may have forgiven Nathan Cleary for skipping a Channel Nine promo shoot at BlueBet Stadium this week given his injury. But his professionalism and class knows no bounds. He was among the first there.
Fresh Fish
Congratulations to Panthers prop James Fisher-Harris and his partner Natalie, who welcomed baby Jaela into their lives last weekend.
Back to ‘67 for ball boys
I’m told the Panthers are aiming to ensure the ball boys for the final home game at the current Penrith Park are wearing replica 1967 uniforms. It’s an incredible piece of detail as the club pays homage to its beloved home ground.
The players will wear a heritage strip, while BlueBet has given up its naming rights sponsorship for the day.
NRL keeps close eye
The NRL will be monitoring a bizarre element leading up to any home final at BlueBet Stadium this year: the design of the field. Back in 2022, Parramatta lodged an official complaint over the way the field was cut for the Qualifying Final in terms of light and dark features. The NRL were considering ordering Penrith to re-cut it. The league now wants the field cut in a specific way.
Mansour pulls podcast
Former Panther Josh Mansour has pulled an episode of his podcast that was set to air this week, in which he interviewed Taylan May. Mansour received a rush of criticism following a preview for the episode given May is currently facing domestic violence charges.
While it’s important to note that May is innocent until proven guilty, it’s been quite bizarre to see the public support May has been receiving given the seriousness of the charges and the current climate.
Mansour rightly pulled a plan to air the podcast, apologising for what he called an “oversight and lack of perspective”.
Luke’s uncertain future
You’d have to wonder what the future holds for Soni Luke. Luke re-signed with the club mid-way through the 2023 season and played 20 games in first grade last year. But he’s become something of the forgotten man this year – playing in the opening two rounds of the season but not seen in the top grade since.
There was a time when some wanted him to be the club’s first choice hooker ahead of Mitch Kenny. How he’s not even called up to replace the suspended Kenny this weekend. Luke’s still at Penrith next year – for now at least.
Milestone for touchie
Milestones for match officials are rarely recognised but it’s worth noting that touch judge Dave Munro (centre) clocked up his 200th NRL game as an official last weekend when Penrith played Melbourne at BlueBet Stadium.
Annesley on the defensive
I’m a big fan of Graham Annesley’s Monday afternoon honesty sessions, which I think are beneficial for both the media and fans.
But I thought his performance on Monday was shaky at best.
He spent several minutes explaining that unique Captain’s Challenge in the Penrith game against Melbourne (which nobody had any serious issue with), but didn’t bring up the obstruction question surrounding the Storm’s first try and what the verdict was.
His focus was obviously the field goal blocker penalties in the Sharks versus Knights match. His explanation didn’t cut it with legends of the game, commentators or fans. He can read out the rule book as much as he likes, but if you haven’t got the league community behind you, there’s a problem.
Fans should stay off the keyboard
I’m rarely embarrassed to be a Panthers fan but sometimes I’m glad to be wearing a mask.
The way some of the team’s fans lose their minds on social media and supporter groups following a loss is extraordinary.
Some of these fans are surely newcomers simply not used to losing. It’s part of sport – do better.
Masked Panther
The Masked Panther is the most mysterious journalist of all. He has the inside word on everything happening in rugby league.