Future World Cup winners, NSW Blues: Penrith Panthers Holden Cup U20s premiers 10 years on
It’s been a decade since the Penrith Panthers tasted their first success in the Holden Cup U20s competition. We take a look at where the premiership side continued on its football journey.
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It’s been 10 years since the Penrith Panthers recorded their first Holden Cup (U20s) in the old National Youth Competition.
The men from the foot of the mountains took down the Warriors 42-30 in a highly entertaining grand final to claim their first of two U20s titles.
Running from 2008 through to 2017, the NYC filled the void of Jersey Flegg during a decade-long period.
With the next Flegg premiers to be determined this weekend, we take a look back in time at the 2013 Panthers, and where their players continued their football journey.
1. KIEREN MOSS
After winning back-to-back comps with Penrith at U20s and NSW Cup level, Moss went on to join Parramatta before embarking on a path to the UK. In a three-year period he managed to cross the line 48 times in just 62 games. Last played with Mounties in NSW Cup.
2. DALLIN WATENE-ZALEZNIAK
Made the team of the year for his try-scoring exploits on the wing and at fullback, finish as equal leading scorer with 17. Is approaching 200 NRL games with the Panthers, Bulldogs and Warriors, where he has revived his career as a leading contender for Dally M Winger of the Year.
3. WAQA BLAKE
Another player from the team that has really kicked on, Blake made his NRL debut at Penrith in 2015 and has now amassed over 160 games with them and the Eels, where he played this season. It’s unknown where the Fijian international will play next season.
4. JAMES ROBERTS
Claimed the Jack Gibson Medal for best player of the grand final after scoring a double. At that point had already made his NRL debut at 18 for the Rabbitohs, and played six NRL games for the Panthers throughout the season. Has gone on to play for NSW and the Indigenous All Stars after playing with the Tigers last year.
5. GEORGE JENNINGS
Looked set for big things after making the NSW U20s in the same year as his Holden Cup premiership. Since then has played first grade 56 times at the Panthers, Eels, Warriors and now the Melbourne Storm, while picking up a rep for Tonga as well.
6. DOUG HEWITT
The premiership player has had quite the career change since his teenage days. Hewitt joined the family and entered the trotting ranks as a harness driver, where he continues to experience success. Is also back on the footy field with the Bathurst Panthers in the Peter McDonald Premiership.
7. DANIEL FOSTER
The halfback and captain back in 2013, Foster played six games for Tonga over a three-year period. After departing the Panthers to join the Easts Tigers in the Queensland Cup, that was the last of Foster’s league journey at that level.
8. REAGAN CAMPBELL-GILLARD
Transformed his game to become one of the elite front rowers in the NRL. Made the Holden Cup team of the year and has since gone on to play almost 200 first grade games, win two World Cups with Australia and wear the Blues jersey three times.
9. KIERRAN MOSELEY
The Queenslander progressed to make his NRL debut the following season, before linking with the Gold Coast Titans and playing a further 20 games in the top flight to go with two Indigenous All Stars jerseys. A long time Jet and current Devil in the Queensland Cup.
10. ANDY SAUNDERS
Had a stellar two-season period, winning the U20s before going on to captain the team the following season, where he was named Prop of the Year. Won a NSW Cup title with the Panthers and made his NRL debut with the Bulldogs in 2017.
11. BRYCE CARTWRIGHT
Was crowned player of the year in 2013 for a stellar season as an 18-year-old. That helped propel him into the NRL the very next year at the Panthers, before stints at the Gold Coast and Parramatta, where he currently remains. Has two City appearances and has been in NSW talks previously.
12. JAMES DUNLEY
After winning a competition and moving back to Queensland to play reserve grade, Dunley retired at 23 due to fatherhood and concussions. Was set to make a comeback with the Ormeau Shearers in 2020 before Covid hit.
13. MICHAEL ROSS
Ross played a handful of NSW Cup games with the Panthers and Bears before turning his attention to teaching and coaching. Currently a PE teacher at St Dominic’s College and the assistant coach of the Panthers SG Ball side.
14. MITCH CLARK
The English recruit returned home in 2015 to continue his football where he is still playing today with the Newcastle Thunder. Has played over 140 games including making it to the Super League level as a hard-running forward.
15. ISAAH YEO
Grew up in Dubbo, was signed by Penrith and the rest is history. Will go down as one of the best forwards in Panthers history after coming off the bench in their 2013 grand final win. Is now a dual premiership player with 11 NSW games and a World Cup success to his name.
16. TEKINA VAILEA
Gone on to play a bit of NSW Cup level football with Wyong, Illawarra, Manly, Newcastle and Wentworthville after departing Penrith.
17. BRENDAN ATTWOOD
Scored a try from the bench on the day and was named the competition’s player of the year in 2014. Played at the NSW Cup level with Penrith and the Sea Eagles before moving away from football.
COACH - GARTH BRENNAN
After moving up to the NSW Cup side he helped Penrith to a premiership the very next year as well as 2017, before scoring an NRL assistant’s role in 2016. Stepped into the big chair at the Titans in 2018 before being released the next season. Was last seen as a pathways manager with the Knights before stepping away.
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