The Penrith Panthers are thrilled to announce a strengthened partnership with St Dominic’s College, revealing that their Pathways Squads will be training at the college’s facilities for the next three years. This partnership solidifies St Dominic’s College as the home base for the Panthers’ Harold Matthews and SG Ball teams during this period.
St Dominic’s College Principal, Simon Abernethy, expressed his excitement about the collaboration, emphasizing the positive impact it will have on the community and the shared goal of achieving sports excellence. He highlighted the anticipation of welcoming the Panthers and fostering a dynamic environment of growth and enthusiasm.
The relationship between St Dominic’s College and the Penrith Panthers has a rich history, with numerous college staff members having held important roles within the Panthers organization over the years. This ongoing connection has laid a strong foundation for the current partnership.
Starting in October 2024, the Penrith Pathways teams, including the Harold Matthews and SG Ball squads, will begin their training sessions at St Dominic’s College. They will be utilizing the college’s fields, gymnasium, and classrooms three evenings a week after school hours. This arrangement provides the teams with access to top-notch facilities while allowing the college to further integrate into the local sports community.
In preparation for this partnership, key figures from the Panthers, including CEO Matt Cameron, General Manager of Rugby League Shane Elford, and Pathways Manager Lee Hopkins, recently visited St Dominic’s College to inspect the facilities. Their visit underscored the importance of this collaboration and the shared vision for nurturing local rugby league talent.
Panthers General Manager Shane Elford expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, emphasizing how it not only strengthens the bond between the Panthers and St Dominic’s College but also reaffirms the club’s commitment to developing local talent. He noted that this collaboration is a significant opportunity to engage with the next generation of rugby league players and expressed eagerness to work closely with the college in the coming years.
This partnership marks an exciting chapter for both the Penrith Panthers and St Dominic’s College as they join forces to create a thriving environment for the development of young athletes, all while reinforcing their shared ties to the local community.
