NRL Grand Final 2021: Riot police called to Dharruk over Panthers’ fans street party

The parents of Panthers five-eight Jarome Luai say they “felt sorry” for hundreds of fans who were dispersed by riot squad police after gathering in celebration of the club’s NRL win near their home.

The parents of Panthers five-eight Jarome Luai say they “felt sorry” for hundreds of fans who were dispersed by riot squad police after gathering in celebration of the club’s NRL win near their home.

Officers were called to Woodstock Ave, near Popondetta Road, Dharruk, around 9pm on Sunday following reports a large group of people had gathered in the street to celebrate the NRL Grand Final victory.

Footage has emerged of the gathering

which shows large groups gathering and police cars patrolling the area. Photo: Twitter

Police arrived a short time later to find about 400 people gathering in the streets and heavy traffic in the area with cars slowing down and blaring their horns in celebration.

Footage posted on social media shows the groups cheering and shouting, with some donning Panthers jerseys.

Jarome Luai’s mother Ramauko said while the timing of the gathering wasn’t great with the lockdown, the fans were just trying to show their support after a tough few months.

“We felt sorry for the fans. We knew it was going to happen but it was just the excitement of it all. It didn’t turn crazy or anything but it was just the gathering. It was not a good time for it all (with Covid),” she said.

It shows people cheering as cars drive past tooting their horns.

Police, with the assistance of the riot squad and traffic command, dispersed the crowds and set-up local traffic conversions before they spotted a blue Ford Falcon doing a burnout nearby.

When police attempted to stop the Ford, the driver allegedly accelerated in the crowded street, narrowly missing several police officers.

With the assistance of a police helicopter, the Ford was located a short time later on Luxford Road at Whalan. The P-plate driver and sole occupant – a 22-year-old Mt Druitt man – was arrested and taken to Mt Druitt Police Station.

He was charged with breaching the health orders, operate vehicle so driving wheel/s undergo loss of traction, drive recklessly/furiously or speed/manner dangerous, and not comply P2 licence condition not display P plates.

The Mt Druitt man was granted conditional bail and is due to appear at Mt Druitt Local Court on Wednesday 3 November 2021.