Penrith Panthers faithful laud their premiership heroes

They turned out in their thousands, ready to thank their premiership heroes and exchange stories of how the west was won.

Penrith co-captains Nathan Cleary and Isaah Yeo deliver the 2022 premiership trophy during a fan day at west Sydney’s BlueBet Stadium. Picture: Getty Images

They turned out in their ­thousands, after a long night of street parties and wild hometown celebrations, ready to thank their premiership stars and exchange stories of how the west was won.

The morning after the Penrith Panthers’ spectacular 28-12 victory against cross-town rivals Parramatta, more than 3000 of the club’s devoted fans began to fill BlueBet Stadium from 8.30am, eager to catch a glimpse of their premierships heroes.

Less than an hour before, a shirtless Nathan Cleary emerged from the Penrith Leagues Club to speak with the waiting press pack, saying he would try to catch an hour’s sleep before rejoining the celebrations.

Jubilant fans throng to welcome their team on Monday. Picture: Getty Images

Across the road, rowdy fans who had avoided sleep altogether were gathering at the front of the club’s home ground, waiting for the gates to open.

Bleary-eyed fans were treated to a replay of the victory on the big screen as they waited for the players to present the Provan Summons trophy.

When the premiers – back-to-back title winners – finally arrived at BlueBet Stadium, many of them still wearing their match day jerseys, they were given a rock-star welcome.

Superstar hooker Api Koroisau burst into laughter when he spoke about the prospect of ­winning a premiership at the Wests Tigers – wooden spooners this year – while coach Ivan Cleary said the grand final celebrations were tinged with “some sadness”, as the club prepared to farewell a raft of its premierships players.

“This place has been incredible the last three years I’ve been here,” Koroisau said to the crowd, as he farewelled the club’s fans for the last time.

“It’s turned into a family for me.”

Panthers star Jarome Luai with the team’s spoils of war. Picture: NRL Photos / Gregg Porteous

There was certainly no love lost among the Penrith faithful towards their neighbourhood rivals, with fans joining a bleary-eyed James Fisher-Harris to chant “We hate Parra”.

Club chairman Matt Cameron, who fronted TV breakfast as celebrations continued, said he was glad the club could celebrate the win this year, after pandemic restrictions put a stop to last year’s celebrations.

“The community didn’t get to celebrate it the way they wanted to. Last night was a great opportunity. You have heard Ivan speak before on how we pride ourselves on the club being a source of community pride,” Cameron said.

“I think we were able to tick that box last night.”