The NRL and AFL have long been enemies, but the Penrith Panthers and Port Adelaide Power have formed a groundbreaking alliance.

In a move likely to reverberate through both NRL and AFL headquarters, the Panthers-Power affiliation is a revolutionary partnership aimed at helping both clubs develop their brands in a bid to compete with the premier organisations of their respective codes.

Port Adelaide chairman and Sunrise host David Koch visited Panthers in the off-season, presenting to Penrith club executives, football staff and administration.

Koch spoke in detail about the need to invest in the football program and aligning the business with the brand strength, providing an insight into how the club has risen from mediocrity – both on and off the field – amid mounting financial pressures in the past three years.