ROAR FOR FOUR! THE MIGHTY PANTHERS
‘New identity’: The annual rebuild driving Panthers to a four-peat
When the Panthers turn up for training at the start of each preseason, they are told to forget about the premiership they won the year before because it’s a new group of players and a new team.
BY BRAD WALTER NRL SENIOR REPORTER
HISTORY suggests it is easier said than done because Penrith became the first club since the Broncos of 1992-93 to win back-to-back premierships in 2021-22 and last year achieved the first three peat since the Eels in 1981-82-83.
Yet hooker Mitch Kenny suggested the high turnover of stars after each premiership win may help the Panthers to remain hungry as there are always newcomers to the team who are yet to taste success.
“We’ve obviously had a turnover of two to three really important guys in our team each year, which changes the whole dynamic of the side,” Kenny said ahead of Saturday night’s preliminary final against the Sharks at Accor Stadium.
“I think a lot of people look at Penrith as like this one rolling ball, but for us we start each season trying to forget about the last one and rebuild from the ground up again.
“It’s an altogether new team and this is an altogether new challenge, and we just try to treat it that way.”
A Windsor Wolves junior, Kenny didn’t play in Penrith’s junior representative teams until under 18s but his work ethic and determination to get the best out of himself impressed enough for him to become Jersey Flegg captain in 2018.
With Brian To’o in his team, Kenny led the Panthers to the grand final, where they were beaten by a Cronulla outfit which included Braydon Trindall and Teig Wilton.
“A lot of people in this squad know what it’s like to lose a grand final, or know what it’s like to not play finals,”
Kenny said.
“ “
We do that with new players and new teams and new styles of play - sort of like a new identity.
Kenny did not play in the 2021 grand final win against South Sydney, was deputy to Api Koroisau in 2022 and took over the hooking role last season.
Centre Izack Tago was also a member of Penrith’s premiership winning teams in 2022 and 2023, whilst winger Sunia Turuva, second-
rower Luke Garner and interchange forward Lindsay Smith played in last year’s grand final.
“We don’t see ourselves as the team from last year trying to defend the premiership, we see ourselves as a new team trying to go out and win this one,” Kenny said.
“We have got guys in our side now like Liam Henry, Brad Schneider and Paul Alamoti who haven’t played finals before, so there’s guys who this is a completely new experience for and there’s guys who might be starting who didn’t start in the team last year.
“I can tell you playing finals and winning a grand final is a lot better than not doing it, so if we’re putting ourselves in a position like this, we might as well go all the way.
“A lot of us are still quite young and feel like we have got a lot of development left in us and by no means are sort of like at our peak or have exhausted all our footy abilities.
“We are just trying to be the best versions of ourselves, and there’s also other motivating factors, like you want your mates who haven’t won a comp who are in the team now to experience that as well.”
PANTHERS GETTING TO KNOW YOUR
The
IT is really quite astonishing to say out loud that Penrith will be playing in their fifth grand final in a row, whilst also trying to win their fourth consecutive!
We are witnessing a truly extraordinary rugby league team, folks.
With the much-documented assembly line of star players vanishing from the playing squad since the first Grand Final of this run back in 2020, and every year since, it makes the accomplishment even more mind-blowing.
To win one competition in the current climate of
Penrith Panthers
heavily scrutinised salary cap auditing is hard enough, but to be on the cusp of a fourth straight is down right outrageous.
Bravo Ivan, bravo to the recruitment team, bravo to the staff that don’t get the accolades, but are just as much part of this team as the players. Bravo to the sponsors, bravo to the board, bravo to the fans, and last but by no means least, bravo to the Penrith Panthers players who for the past 5 seasons in particular have worn the mighty Panther jersey with utter distinction.
There are so many story lines with the two best teams of 2024 facing a showdown this Sunday.
Storylines that could decide one way or another the outcome of the contest.
Could it be the battle of the big men up front?
Could it be the battle of the speedy outside backs?
Could it be a battle between the two best 6’s and 7’s ( Cleary/Luai & Hughes/Munster) in the comp?
Could it be a battle of minds from the two men sitting 80 metres away in the coaches box?
It could be all of thoses things. When you really dissect these two formidable outfits it is near impossible to say that either team cannot win this game.
WITH MARK GEYER
MARK ON THE
WITH MARK GEYER
enter the stratosphere
Both teams have so many game breakers and both teams are also hovering around the $1.90 mark to win it.
This will be the first time in the past 5 grand finals that Penrith won’t have the luxury of picking their playing strip. Because the Storm finished with the minor premiership they get first dibs. They’ll play in all purple whilst Penrith will more than likely don the pink ‘away’ jersey.
In what is set up to be one of the games of the decade and also a replay of the 2020 Grand Final, if Penrith can manage a victory this Sunday I believe
it will be their best of this golden run. Purely for two reasons. For the calibre of player they have lost, but even moreso from the emergence of homegrown heroes who continue to fall off the production line right into Ivan’s squad and they do it with aplomb.
In summation let me offer a paradox. I compare these two teams to the Immovable Object (Penrith) vs the Unstoppable Force (Melbourne).
Hence by terminology, an Unstoppable Force, in order to become unstoppable ought to possess infinite energy. On the other hand, an Immovable Object is non-submissive to any force of any magnitude!
So wo wins? By definition, the Immovable Object wins. An Immovable Object will not move AT ALL, no matter what the force exerted on it is. The same is not true for the Unstoppable Force!
My prediction? Penrith 28 Melbourne 16. Clive Churchill Medalist- Dylan Edwards! See you at the game!
Don’t forget, if you’re looking for a new car contact my great mate at Sinclair Hyundai, Toby Hughes.
MG (random Westie) OAM
ROAR FOR FOUR! THE MIGHTY PANTHERS
‘Only way to go’: Departing trio vow to leave with premiership ring
“We won’t leave here without a ring. There is no other way to leave this place”.
BY BRAD WALTER NRL SENIOR REPORTER
THAT’S the pact departing Penrith stars Jarome Luai, James Fisher-Harris and Sunia Turuva have made as they aim to help the club to an historic four peat before leaving at the end of the season.
Since the start of their premiership run, the Panthers have farewelled Matt Burton, Paul Momirovski, Kurt Capewell, Tyrone May (2021), Viliame Kikau, Api Koroisau, Charlie Staines (2022) and Stephen Crichton, Spencer Leniu, Jaeman Salmon and Jack Cogger (2023).
The 11 former Panthers all left with a premiership ring and Luai, Fisher-Harris and Turuva have vowed to depart in the same style.
“For us, the mindset is that we won’t leave here without a ring,” Turuva said.
“Critta and Spennie, Api and Kiks … they all left here with a ring and left here on a high, so that is what we want to do.
“Speaking to ‘Romey’ about it, as well, it would be massive to finish here on a high note. We won’t leave here without a ring. There is no other way to leave this place.”
Whilst Luai and Fisher-Harris have been involved in each of Penrith’s grand final triumphs, Turuva won his first premiership last year and knows they may not get another chance.
The 2023 Dally M Rookie of the Year is joining Luai at Wests Tigers, where Koroisau and Staines
currently play, whilst Fisher-Harris is returning home to New Zealand to play alongside Capewell at the Warriors.
“It is massive for myself, having one finals series under my belt now to know what is coming,” Turuva said.
“Finals is a different ball game, there are no more second chances, so we just have to be on our A-game every week.”
After establishing himself on the Panthers right wing last year, Turuva has had a less settled 2024 season as he struggled to finalise his future.
The 22-year-old Fiji international had been targeted by the Dolphins as a recruit for their
inaugural season but felt a deep loyalty to Penrith for the club’s support of him and his family after fire destroyed their home in 2020.
He also suffered the loss of his mother, Salote, a year later.
However, the opportunity to join Luai and Koroisau, who is his first cousin, at Wests Tigers was too hard to resist.
Such was the enormity of the decision that Panthers coach Ivan Cleary rested Turuva for the Round 8 match against the Cowboys while he finalised the three-year deal with the Tigers.
“Myself and Coach [Cleary] just had a chat about getting my future sorted because it was dragging and it was weighing me down, as well,” Turuva said.
“Coach touched on how it can take an emotional toll on us players.
“I was having chats with my family as well because this place is home, with what the club has done for me over the last couple of years. It was good to get it out of the way.”
Fellow Panthers winger Brian To’o said teammates were disappointed Turuva, Luai and FisherHarris were leaving but wanted to ensure they left with a premiership.
“It’s obviously going to be emotional and there is a bit of happiness there as well for the boys,” To’o said.
“They are off to bigger and better things next year, but we just want to focus on now. We just want to make the most of it, and hopefully we can send the boys off on a good note.
ROAR FOR FOUR! THE MIGHTY PANTHERS
Lion and Panthers extend winning partnership
Penrith Panthers is thrilled to announce an extended partnership with Lion for a further seven years, which will see Tooheys remain the lead brand for the Panthers until 2031.
BY PANTHERS MEDIA
WITH a rich history in supporting the club, Tooheys has been a proud partner of the Panthers for over 22 years, and the 2027 season will mark a remarkable 50 years of partnership with the Panthers Group.
This enduring relationship reflects a commitment to not only the club but also the proud Penrith community.
James Brindley, Managing Director at Lion Australia comments, “Tooheys has been deeply embedded in the Panthers’ journey for over two decades, and the upcoming 50-year milestone in 2027 is a testament to the strength of our relationship. We share a common bond with the club and the Penrith community, and we’re excited to continue supporting the Panthers as they build on their success and inspire the next generation of fans. Good luck to the team!”
The partnership extends across the clubs within the Panthers Group— Penrith, Port Macquarie, Bathurst, Glenbrook, and North Richmond— alongside the Pullman Sydney Penrith and Western Sydney Conference Centre.
We are thrilled to extend our partnership with Lion, a collaboration that has been essential in strengthening the experience for our Panthers members across our proud leagues clubs. Panthers Group CEO Brian Fletcher “ “
mighty Panthers
“We are thrilled to extend our partnership with Lion, a collaboration that has been essential in strengthening the experience for our Panthers members across our proud leagues clubs,” Panthers Group CEO Brian Fletcher said.
“With Tooheys as our lead brand, this partnership not only enhances our venues but also celebrates five decades of shared success and community spirit.”
This collaboration will continue to strengthen the connection between the Panthers and its loyal fan base.
“We’re excited to extend our
partnership with Lion over the next seven years and their support has been vital for our recent success,” Panthers Rugby League CEO Matt Cameron said.
“Our partnership with the Tooheys brand has thrived because of our mutual values, including teamwork, innovation, outstanding results, and a dedication to serving our community.”
In addition to the new Tooheys Ultra Zero Carb*, fans can also enjoy a variety of other prominent brands at Panthers venues, ensuring a diverse range of options for all members and visitors.
*<0.5g carbs per serve.
ROAR FOR FOUR! THE MIGHTY PANTHERS
Getting to know your former players...
GREG ALEXANDER
1. What age did you start playing footy? 5yrs old playing for St Nicholas
2. Apart from Bluebet Stadium what is your favourite other ground to play at? Leichhardt Oval
3. If not footy what would you be doing? PE teacher
4. Favourite other Sport and Athlete? Golf - any Aussie playing on USPGA
5. Favourite Song? Most Elton John songs are pretty good
6. Favourite Movie? The Departed
7. Favourite TV Series? Seinfeld..Escape to the Country
8. Favourite Junk Food? Hot Chips
9. What 3 famous people would you love to have a night out with? MG, Gowy, Royce
10. What is your death row meal? Roast chicken, chips & gravy…sticky date pudding and ice cream
Date of Birth: 4 March 1965
Birthplace: Penrith, NSW
Age: 59 Nickname: Brandy
Height: 180 cm Weight: 84 kg
Debut Club: Penrith Panthers Date: 1984
SCOTT SATTLER
1. What age did you start playing footy? 11- played soccer first because my Dad said the game was too dirty. Fancy that coming from a guy who played in the 60-70’s.
2. Apart from Bluebet Stadium what is your favourite other ground to play at? Marathon Stadium - Newcastle
3. If not footy what would you be doing? Detective in Police Force
4. Favourite other Sport and Athlete? Boxing - Sugar Ray Robinson
5. Favourite Song? We didn’t start the fire - Billy Joel
6. Favourite Movie? Goodfellas & The Warriors
7. Favourite TV Series? Seinfeld or The Shield - can’t split it
8. Favourite Junk Food? Pizza - Double Pepperoni
9. What 3 famous people would you love to have a night out with? Shane Warne, Teddy Atlas & Blocker
10. What is your death row meal? 2 kilo Pork Ribs, steak Fries, Chocolate Lava Pudding with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
Date of Birth: 13 December 1971
Birthplace: Camperdown, NSW
Age: 52 Nickname: Satts
Height: 180 cm Weight: 95 kg
Debut Club: Gold Coast Chargers Date: Round 8, 1992 v Parramatta
PANTHER PRIDE
CDC Charter Panther Bus: NRL Grand Final
BY PANTHERS MEDIA
THE DETAILS
• Sunday 6 October
• Buses depart from the ESQ Display Centre near the multi-storey carpark Panthers Penrith Leagues Club at 4.30pm
• Pre-Game Entertainment Commences: 6:30pm
• NRL Kick-Off at Accor Stadium: 7:30pm
• Buses depart Accor Stadium 15 minutes after the Grand Final presentation
• Bus tickets do not include entry to the game
• No alcohol is allowed
• Bus Tickets: Members: $20 | Nonmembers: $25
• LIMITED AVAILABILITYYou must pre-book tickets online at https://am.ticketmaster. com/penrithpanthers/buy/ CDCCharterBusGF or via the Footy Hub located inside Panthers Penrith Leagues Club
PANTHER PRIDE
