Penrith Panthers take step towards NRLW with completion of women’s pathways

Penrith has dominated the men’s rugby league scene this decade, and their latest announcement has them eyeing off similar in the women’s game. See the move that has Panthers fans excited.

Young players like Mackenzie Doust now have a further pathway within the Panthers. Picture: Martin Ollman

Penrith has been the dominant force in the men’s competition this decade, and now they’re taking the first steps towards replicating that in the women.

The Panthers have been accepted into the Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership from 2025 as the first part of a plan to eventually be considered for NRLW inclusion.

It now gives Penrith a female pathway ranging from the Lisa Fiaola U17s and Tarsha Gale U19s through to the open women.

In a big boost for the side, former Queensland and Australian representative Karen Stuart will coach the side, and 18 players have already signed contracts for their underage sides in 2025.

“Entry into the Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership is another exciting step for the women’s pathways program at the club,” CEO Matt Cameron said.

“Women’s rugby league is thriving in the Panthers district, and as a club, we want to ensure that junior players have a pathway to the highest level.”

NSW U19s representative Marley Cardwell came through the Penrith system, as did City representatives Yasmine Baker and Hannah Ison.

The Panthers featured in the Lisa Fiaola Cup this year. Picture: Warren Gannon Photography.

Current Titans star Shaylee Bent is the highest profile Panthers junior in the NRLW currently, playing her junior footy with Glenmore Park.

Head of pathways Lee Hopkins said they want to keep as many players within the system as possible.

“It’s a step forward and it shows people how serious we are about the women’s game in Penrith,” Hopkins said.

“We wanted to make sure that we did it right and for the right reasons. A lot of work has gone on in the background to get to where we are.

“We want as many Penrith girls playing for Penrith. There are lots of Penrith girls at other clubs and we want to give them the option to play for the Panthers.”

This year the Panthers Juniors became the first district to offer on age competitions for girls in a bid to further increase the participation rates of girls in the region.

Junior league general manager Blake South said the addition of a Panthers-branded open women’s team would serve as a great incentive for players of all ages.

“It’s a great opportunity for girls at the grassroots level to look ahead at a pathway for those coming through,” he said.

“It’s the first step in the right direction to creating a pathway for these younger girls.

“We’ve seen massive growth in numbers and the next step is for them to remain and stay in the Penrith district.”

Originally published as Penrith Panthers take step towards NRLW with completion of women’s pathways