NRL 2022: Penrith Panthers fans deck out Emu Plains home for grand final

A family of Panthers supporters have taken their love of the game to a whole new level — transforming their western Sydney home into a local landmark featuring a panther statue.

Grand final fever is in full swing throughout the Panther’s homeland, as Penrith fans get into the spirit anticipating a victory for the second year in a row.

One Emu Plains family spared no detail in decking their house out in support of the mighty Penrith Panthers, with Amy and Ben, alongside their children Matilda, 6, and Charlie, 8, making sure everyone knows who has pride of place.

Footy fans, Amy and Ben Christie, pictured with their kids Matilda, 6 and Charlie 8. Picture: David Swift

The Christie family have a large concrete panther in their front yard and are excited for the Grand Final on the weekend. Picture: David Swift

The Christie family’s home on Troy St has become a local landmark — with their front yard adorned with giant cut outs of their favourite Panthers faces — alongside a one and a half tonne statue of a panther, who due to his size is a year round fixture.

Also part of the impressive display is the family’s fence immaculately decorated by Ben, using electrical tape in the colours red, green and yellow.

While Matilda and mum Amy are absolutely confident the Panthers will secure a second victory, Charlie admits he is “nervous” about game day and is worried about Penrith’s strategy.

The Christie family in front of just some of their Panthers display.

However, Charlie agrees with his younger sister Matilda that Nathan Cleary is the team’s best player, believing his kicks alone could get Penrith over the line.

Elsewhere neighbours and passer-bys are delighted by the family’s game day spirit with a near constant beeping of horns from cars passing by in support, as well as others stopping in for photo opportunities.

Despite the family missing out on grand final tickets this year, mum Amy says the community spirit alone is worth it, and has big plans to expand the Panthers display if the team make it to the grand final next year.