Penrith Panthers

The Penrith Panthers are a team in the National Rugby League (NRL), the premier rugby league football competition in Australia.

Related Topics:
National Rugby League - Rugby league - Australia

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Based in Penrith, New South Wales, 60km west of the centre of Sydney and at the foot of the Blue Mountains, the Panthers were in 1967 admitted to the New South Wales Rugby League (NSWRL) competition, predecessor of the Australian Rugby League (ARL) and the current NRL competition.

Related Topics:
Penrith, New South Wales - Sydney - Blue Mountains - New South Wales Rugby League - Australian Rugby League

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Penrith's team colours in the lower grades of earlier years were blue and white but due to those colours being previously registered or already in use by three other teams, upon entry into the NSWRL competition a decision was made to change the colours to Brown and White. This decision subsequently earned them the affectionate name of the "Chocolate Soldiers". Penrith struggled for almost 20 years before finally reaching their first finals series in 1985. Penrith achieved their first Grand Final appearance in 1990 only to be beaten by the Canberra Raiders 18-14. The next year the Panthers met the Raiders again in the Grand Final, this time walking away winners in a game where the Panthers score 19 points to Canberra's 12. The Panthers most recent premiership achievement was in 2003, in a Grand Final where they were considered under dogs to the Sydney Roosters.

Related Topics:
Canberra Raiders - Sydney Roosters

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In 2004 the Panthers came equal third with the North Queensland Cowboys, losing to the premiers Canterbury Bulldogs.

Related Topics:
North Queensland Cowboys - Canterbury Bulldogs

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Statistically, it is interesting to note that both times that the club won premierships, they finished on the top of the table at the end of the home and away season.

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