Jane’s mighty return
Jane Scali was understandably nervous about singing ‘Go The Mighty Panthers’ at Penrith Park last Saturday night; a song she recorded for the club in the 1980s.
But it wasn’t long before she understood the joy the song still brings to Penrith fans. Scali was originally only going to come out pre-game, but was so caught up in the festivities that she asked club officials if she could head out on the field after the game as well.
Scali lives on the Gold Coast these days.
Spotted
Former Panthers Chairman Dave O’Neill – the man who brought Ivan Cleary back to the club in 2019 – in the dressing room post-game last Saturday night.
Spotted
Panthers forward Luke Garner handing out playing cards to unsuspecting teammates at training on Monday afternoon. Nobody’s quite sure what it was all about.
Original Panthers honoured
Penrith did a wonderful job in celebrating a bunch of 1967 players who were part of the Old Boys’ Day celebrations last Saturday night.
The club put them up in the sparkly new Pullman Hotel for a couple of nights, and deservedly treated them like royalty. Among those celebrated was Warren Crotty (pictured), who played three games for the club in the inaugural 1967 season.
An incredible innings
It’s worth noting the incredible efforts of Rob Gutesa, Renee Hampton and the Casablanca Video Productions team who have managed the game day production for Panthers for almost 30 years and won’t be returning to the new stadium in 2027, with Venues NSW to assume game day operations responsibilities.
Gutesa credits Max Cowan for his long stint at the club. It was in 1997 that Cowan demanded Casablanca Video Productions return after a disastrous start by a new company called in for the Super League season. Casablanca and Gutesa took over and have been back every year since.
Friday night lights
I told you several weeks ago that Penrith was bound for a Friday night Finals match given the intricacies of the draw in the final round. Penrith were always keen to open the Finals and the atmosphere will be second to none for what will be the true last game at Penrith Park.
The back-and-forth over scheduling is certainly not over, however. Should Penrith lose to the Roosters, they would likely want to play at Accor Stadium next weekend. But Accor is unavailable on Saturday, September 21 due to the Bledisloe Cup.
That could see the game played on Friday night, but would only give Penrith’s opponent – Canterbury or Manly – a five-day turnaround, which the NRL would rather avoid. Could Penrith end up at CommBank Stadium?
Bentley’s milestone
One man not at the Penrith Park celebrations last Saturday night was Col Bentley. He was busy celebrating his 60th birthday at St Marys Leagues Club.
NRL launches Finals in Sydney
We accept the shots of the NRL Finals captains with the Opera House in the background look pretty cool, but why is the league so obsessed with the city when so much of its fan base is in the suburbs?
Why not launch the Finals in Penrith, or even Belmore given the Bulldogs are the fairytale story of the season? The Dally Ms will again be in the city. Have they not heard of the Western Sydney Conference Centre?
Still calling Penrith Park home
This Friday night won’t be the last time the Panthers see their beloved Penrith Park, or BlueBet Stadium as it will officially be known for the Qualifying Final. The team will continue to hold their weekly Captain’s Run at the venue, up until the Grand Final should Ivan Cleary’s side make it.
Corporate discount
The NRL, which sets the prices for ticketing during the Finals including for corporate hospitality, lowered its expectations around sponsors this year. Last year, a Chairman’s Lounge ticket for the Qualifying Final was priced at $450. This year, it was down to $410. An open air box ticket went from $300 to $275.
Carter’s Yeo tribute
Panthers legend Steve Carter says he couldn’t think of a better player to break his record for most games for the club than Isaah Yeo.
“You wouldn’t get a better player on or off the field than Isaah Yeo,” Carter told the Weekender’s On The Record podcast, to be released next month.
“He’s grown into a great person and it’s just great that I’m behind him. I’ll be happy to be behind him.”
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