Penrith RL: The 25 local juniors to win a grand final with the Panthers
From the 1991 circuit breaker to last year’s grand final miracle, Penrith now have five trophies in the cabinet. Meet the 25 local juniors who have celebrated on the club’s biggest days.
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Since cracking the big time in 1967, the Penrith Panthers’ journey to the top has taken in five premierships. Now on track for a famous four-peat, we identify the 25 local juniors who have saluted in winning grand final teams.
BLACKTOWN CITY
His 324-game NRL career finished in the Shire, but long before Luke Lewis transitioned to an elite backrower, the Blacktown City junior turned heads as an elusive winger.
On the end of an electric Penrith backline, a 19-year-old Lewis helped the Panthers upset the Roosters to claim the club’s second premiership in 2003.
Earlier this year, the former Origin star’s links to community rugby league were honoured with the advent of the Luke Lewis Cup.
BROTHERS (ST DOMINIC’S)
More than two decades before St Dominic’s rebranded as Brothers in 2003, a young Greg Alexander weaved his magic on a path destined for greatness. In 1991, the former schoolboy sensation etched his name in Penrith folklore, captaining the club to its maiden title against the Canberra Raiders.
Another elite halfback, Nathan Cleary has just about down it all in nine seasons on the big stage. Since lacing up for Brothers, the dual Churchill Medal winner has left no stone unturned as he chases a fourth consecutive title at the foot of the mountains.
He’s part way through his fourth season at Penrith, but Izack Tago has already hoisted the NRL trophy twice. And before adding his name to a St Marys team sheet, the centre first turned out for Brothers.
CAMBRIDGE PARK
The youngest of six Penrith juniors from the 1991 premiership winning side, Brad Fittler launched his trademark left-foot step in the top grade two seasons before claiming the trophy as a 19-year-old centre.
Before transferring to Bondi, the Cambo junior had already captained both NSW and the Kangaroos.
A rangy backrower, Trent Waterhouse rose through the local ranks at Cambridge Park and Emu Plains before earning a 2003 premiership medal. Finished a 10-year career at Penrith with five Origin and 12 Tests against his name.
COLYTON COLTS
Arguably Colyton’s finest, Craig Gower followed in the footsteps of ‘Brandy’ Alexander as the second Penrith junior to captain the club to premiership success.
Primarily a No.7, Gower played for NSW and Australia in a career that included a stint in rugby union as an Italian international.
EMU PLAINS
When it comes to putting Emu Plains on the map, Luke Rooney took the cake in 2003.
In a tense decider the long striding winger struck twice, landing crucial four-pointers either side of halftime in Penrith’s 12-point win.
Originally from Tamworth, Shane Rodney rose through the ranks at Riverstone and Emu Plains. The busy backrower’s finest hour came when coach John Lang used him off the bench in the 2003 grand final.
MINCHINBURY JETS
From the modern era of Penrith dominance, Tyrone May played from the bench in Penrith’s third title, a 14-12 win over South Sydney at Suncorp Stadium.
He’s with the tricolours now, but Minchinbury will long thump in the heart of Spencer Leniu. One of 11 involved in all three consecutive grand final victories, the Samoan international is also one of six Penrith juniors.
MT DRUITT JUNIORS
When it comes to local footy, the Penrith region was a hub of transition in the decade before Phil Gould guided the Panthers to a maiden title.
Mark Geyer’s journey to 1991 glory included junior stints at Whalan and North Mount Druitt, both clubs now long gone. Brad Izzard is another from the area, and alongside Geyer, the local boys joined forces to help sink Canberra 19-12 with a crucial second half try.
Colin van der Voort preferred to fly under the radar, but the unfashionable North St Marys product was a key peace in the breakthrough title. For nine seasons from 1986, the workaholic middle showed no self preservation.
ST CLAIR COMETS
Squeezed out of his home town by the salary cap, Stephen Crichton is one of the most successful juniors to put on a Penrith jumper. Starting at St Clair, the boom centre bounded onto the first grade scene in 2019, and after five seasons walked away with three titles from four grand final appearances.
Contributed with a try in each decider, none better than his intercept to sink South Sydney in 2021.
ST MARYS SAINTS
Famous for churning out big names, St Marys has links to all five Penrith titles.
The son of Penrith pioneer Merv, ball playing backrower John Cartwright’s resume also includes the 1991 title and NSW and Australian honours.
In 2003, Saints were represented by punishing Kiwi international Tony Puletua and forward utility Luke Swain.
Of the modern greats, wrecking ball winger Brian To’o, Jarome Luai and Moses Leota all played a role in the club’s three straight titles.
In 2023, winger Sunia Turuva and bench forward Lindsay Smith were part of the remarkable comeback against Brisbane.
RIVERSTONE RAZORBACKS
A starting prop in 2003, Joel Clinton forged a fearless reputation by hurling himself into the opposition during six seasons at Penrith. After finishing his NRL days at the Broncos, the Riverstone junior turned out for Hull KR in Super League.
WINDSOR WOLVES
Wolves junior Mitch Kenny swooped on a loose ball to strike the first blow against Brisbane in last year’s miracle at Accor Stadium. Still on the Penrith books, the consistent No.9 has been part of the past two premierships.
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