In 2003, Penrith won the most unlikely of premierships and a young winger sat back, soaked it all in and realised a childhood dream.
Growing up, Luke Lewis would idolise Brad Fittler.
And like Fittler, he has celebrated the ultimate prize of a grand final victory in a Penrith jersey.
A decade later, Lewis will captain the club he dreamed to play for growing up.
“I always wanted to play for the Penrith club as a junior, I always suported the club and my childhood hero was Brad Fittler who also captained the club,” Lewis said.
Lewis will play his 200th first grade game for the Panthers this year and is likely to again figure in calculations for State and National honours.
Despite the accoldates, it was obvious that the Blacktown City junior was humbled by the attention afforded to him on Tuesday when the captaincy announcement was made.
In a “bigger than Ben Hur” style, what could have been a simple press conference turned into a major event with guests including Fittler, club legend Greg Alexander, Penrith Mayor, Greg Davies, and State Penrith MP, Stuart Ayres, amongst many others.
That’s how the Panthers do things these days – bigger and better than ever.
Fittler, who found stardom at Penrith Stadium, believes Lewis is the man to take the club forward and offers stability in a time of massive change at the club.
“The bloke’s so tough, he’s such a great fella and everyone respects him… he’s everything you want in a leader,” Fittler told the Weekender.
“Blokes like him don’t come along all that often.”
Mr Ayres knows how vital the role of the Panthers captain is in the community and is excited about Lewis’ new role.
“In addition to his talents as a football player, Luke Lewis has the discipline, commitment and leadership skills required to lead the Panthers in an exciting new season,” he said.
“Having seen Luke in action and worked with him through his roles in supporting community causes, including as a White Ribbon Day Ambassador and as a Friend of the McGrath Foundation I am already impressed by his drive and commitment.
“As a committed Panthers supporter, I am encouraged by his selection and look forward to the success of the Panthers in 2012.”
But despite all the fanfare on Tuesday, Lewis would have just been happy to have his wife and mother by his side.
Those who know Lewis know how important his mother was in his development both as a man and a footballer.
There will be an almighty roar when Lewis leads the Panthers out for the first time against Canterbury in round one.
Mainly because he leads a club with so much potential into an era many predict will be a success.
But also because the story of a local junior who rose to such a position is something that deserves a standing ovation.
He’ll get one.
