Author: Theophilus
When loyalty, belief, and quiet strength come together, beautiful moments follow — and for the Penrith Panthers, this was one of them. In a decision that has lifted hearts across the mountain, Nathan Cleary is officially free to play in Round 1 after successfully challenging his charge at the National Rugby League judiciary. What had loomed as a nervous wait for the club and its supporters turned into a moment of relief and gratitude. Cleary fronted the judiciary composed and confident, determined to defend his name and ensure he could stand shoulder to shoulder with his teammates when the new…
It was a night filled with legacy, gratitude, and heartfelt pride as the Penrith Panthers officially launched their 60th season celebrations — and at the heart of it all stood Ivan Cleary and his wife Rebecca, radiating class and quiet strength. Held as part of the club’s milestone anniversary festivities, the evening brought together past legends, current stars, administrators, and loyal supporters to honour six decades of Panthers history. But one image captured the spirit of the night perfectly: Ivan Cleary, proudly wearing his Penrith blazer, standing beside Rebecca with a look that said everything about what this club means…
“Once a Panther, always a Panther.” That sentiment rang loud and proud as the Penrith Panthers met the Wests Tigers in what many fans dubbed a reunion tour filled with respect, rivalry, and raw emotion. There was something special in the air as former teammates lined up against each other — brothers in arms turned competitors for 80 fierce minutes. Matches like this carry extra weight. Every tackle has memory behind it. Every grin at the scrum base carries shared history. Playing against old teammates is never easy, and both sides felt that intensity from kickoff. The Tigers ultimately secured…
The Penrith Panthers have paid tribute to one of their premiership pioneers, officially naming Col Bentley an Honorary Life Member of the club. The announcement was confirmed at the 2025 Annual General Meeting of the Penrith District Rugby League Football Club, recognising Bentley’s immense contribution both on and off the field across decades of service. Panther No. 252, Bentley etched his name into club history through 114 first-grade appearances after debuting in 1986. A tough, defensively reliable centre, he quickly established himself as a cornerstone of the side during a transformative era for the club. Bentley was instrumental in Penrith’s…
The Penrith Panthers have honoured their rich history in unforgettable fashion, officially naming eight club icons as Panthers Legends as part of their 60th season celebrations. In a tribute that bridges generations, the club elevated Merv Cartwright, Roger Cowan, John Farragher, Steve Carter, Luke Rooney, Luke Lewis, Luke Priddis, and Trent Waterhouse to the prestigious Legends status — cementing their names forever in Penrith folklore. The announcement marks a powerful moment in the club’s diamond anniversary year, recognising players whose contributions helped shape the identity, resilience and pride of the Panthers. From foundation-era pioneers to premiership heroes, the group represents…
The mountains have every reason to celebrate. The Penrith Panthers have officially confirmed that powerhouse forward Lindsay Smith has signed a new three-year contract extension, ensuring he will remain in Penrith colours for the foreseeable future. For fans, the news brings both relief and excitement. Smith has developed into one of the club’s most dependable middle forwards — a tireless worker whose impact often goes beyond the stat sheet. Still only entering the prime of his career, his re-signing represents not just retention, but long-term investment in the club’s future. Over recent seasons, Smith has steadily grown into a vital…
The countdown to kickoff is officially on, with Penrith Panthers naming a powerful squad for their upcoming trial clash, as first reported by Fox Sports. And it’s a lineup that has fans buzzing. Headlining the team is the ever-reliable Dylan Edwards at fullback, while Brian To’o and Tom Jenkins bring strike power on the wings. The centres pairing of Izack Tago and Paul Alamoti offers both defensive steel and attacking flair — a combination that has become a Penrith trademark. In the halves, all eyes will be on Blaize Talagi at five-eighth alongside the maestro himself, Nathan Cleary. The pairing…
There’s a different kind of electricity in the air around the foot of the Blue Mountains — the kind that signals a season about to ignite. As preparations intensify, the Penrith Panthers are looking strong, sharp, and ready to embrace the challenges ahead. Training sessions this week have been described as intense and purposeful, with players showing impressive fitness levels and renewed hunger. Supporters who’ve caught glimpses of the squad during open sessions have echoed the same sentiment: the Panthers look powerful, unified, and locked in. After years of dominance and deep finals runs, expectations remain high. But inside the…
When two elite athletes step into the spotlight, the world often sees trophies, pressure, and expectation. But behind the headlines, there are human moments — quiet promises that shape everything that follows. This week, Mary Fowler shared a touching insight into the early days of her relationship with Nathan Cleary, revealing a private pact the pair made before their very first date. According to Fowler, the agreement was simple but powerful: no outside noise, no pressure from fame, and no rushing what felt natural. Before meeting face-to-face in a public setting that would inevitably attract attention, the two decided they…
All eyes turn to tonight’s All Stars stage as rising Penrith talent Casey prepares to showcase his class in one of rugby league’s most celebrated representative fixtures — the NRL All Stars clash. 👏🏼🐾 For Panthers fans, this is a moment of immense pride. Casey has steadily built a reputation as one of the club’s most promising young centres — dynamic with ball in hand, fearless in defence, and composed well beyond his years. His selection for the All Stars match is not just recognition of his talent, but of his work ethic, dedication, and commitment to continual growth. The…