Penrith are exploring the possibility of expanding their footprint by fielding teams in the Western Region championships in what could be the blueprint for saving grassroots rugby league in the country.

At a time when the NRL is setting aside $100 million to stop the mass exodus of junior and bush players, the Panthers are taking matters into their own hands with a series of initiatives they believe will help revive country rugby league. Chief among their plans is fielding Panthers-branded sides in an expanded Western Region competition with a view to eventually fielding an Intrust Super Premiership side out of Bathurst. It is hoped the initiative will be rubber-stamped when it goes before the boards of the Country Rugby League, NSWRL and Panthers for approval.

Spreading the word: Penrith players Isaah Yeo, Matt Moylan and Leilani Latu (far right) with children at a recent coaching clinic at Bathurst. Credit:Penrith Panthers

Penrith recently committed to taking an NRL match to Bathurst until at least 2028 after signing a new, 10-year agreement with Bathurst Regional Council. However, the Panthers are keen to expand their reach further still with a proposal that includes the establishment of academies in Bathurst, Dubbo and Forbes to provide youngsters a genuine league pathway.

The addition of Penrith as a southern zone side into an expanded 12-team Western Region competition would be a big boost to grassroots football. The Panthers already invest heavily in the region via junior clinics and are seeking to further improve the skills of players and coaches in the area. The club already spends about $2.6 million a year on its grassroots and junior rugby league development systems in proof that NRL clubs can propagate the game in a cost-effective manner.