Penrith fans to party on after Panthers’ fourth NRL grand final win
See the best photos of fans outside Accor Stadium and in Penrith, ahead of the NRL grand final, where the Penrith Panthers and the Melbourne Storm will go head-to-head.
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Grand Final Day has become somewhat of a yearly routine in Penrith, but the army of devout Panthers fans made sure their team pride was loud and clear on home turf long before their history-making fourth straight win yesterday.
They might’ve been a good 40km from Accor Stadium but the excitement and anticipation was still red hot in western Sydney, even from sunrise.
Families and early-rising fans began the countdown to kick-off by gathering for the start of the unofficial pre-game party at Jamison Park before 8am, while hours later a convoy of heavily decorated cars took part in Penrith’s Grand Final Day parade, revving up the community further.
But the decorations weren’t just left to vehicles, with houses all across the neighbourhood decked in the team colours.
The Parker family’s Penrith residence has been decorated red, green and gold a little too early for Christmas in recent years, and their festivities kicked off early too when the Panthers claimed victory over the Storm last night.
“This is absolutely out of this world,” mum Taryn said of the win.
“We’re all screaming and have been jumping around all night.”
“The club has been a part of all locals’ lives since we were young ourselves and now with our children.
From suburban streets to the shops to the local swimming spots on the Hawkesbury, anyone who stepped foot in the vicinity of Panthers turf on Sunday was greeted by a sea of black-clad locals at all turns.
Penrith City Mayor Todd Carney joined hundreds of locals at the heaving Penrith Leagues Club in the afternoon, and said the team’s ability to earn a spot in five grand finals from 2020 to 2024 is “something we’ll never see again”.
“It’s just an absolutely awesome effort by the Penrith team … they’ve actually put Penrith on the map,” Mr Carney said.
“I know whatever happens tonight, the community will be proud.”
But Mr Carney could be out of a job if some supporters have their way, with a deafening victory roar ringing out across Penrith after the final buzzer sounded.
The Bryan family – mum Tracey, dad Michael and kids Charlotte and Harrison – were front and centre at Panthers HQ.
“This is insane, four in a row is insane, Cleary for Mayor, Cleary for Mayor,” Ms Bryan said.
“This is our second year coming to Panthers. Harry’s gunning for Nathan (Cleary)’s spot. He’s got his little step down pat now, so he is waiting for that jersey.”
Fans have started filing in to Sydney Olympic Park’s Accor Stadium ahead of the NRL’s epic Grand Final, but the sporting precinct isn’t the only hub to watch the game.
At 7.30pm, the Penrith Panthers and the Melbourne Storm will go head-to-head in this season’s final battle.
Sydney Olympic Park was littered with fans decked out in their team’s colours, with many carrying flags and signs to show their support.
However, not all Panthers fans flocked to Homebush for the grand final. Many decided to stay in Sydney’s west to watch the game.
See the Daily Telegraph’s best pictures ahead of the grand final.
Panthers fans have been showing their pride all week, but they’re going far beyond jerseys and flags.
Homes in Sydney’s west are adorned in posters, hand-made signs and pictures of the teams.
Panthers Penrith Leagues Club is already buzzing with fans, young and old, gearing up for a big night and potentially, another huge celebration.
More to come
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Originally published as Penrith fans to party on after Panthers’ fourth NRL grand final win
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