Sport
16 September, 2026
Year to remember for Panthers
Gilgandra Panthers have reflected on a remarkable 2026 at their presentation night.
The Gilgandra Panthers have reflected on a remarkable season, wrapping up 2026 with their presentation night and annual general meeting.
“The Gilgandra Panthers Senior Rugby League Club can look back with pride on what has been a season of rebuilding, reconnecting and, most importantly, coming together,” president Damien Jordan reflected.
“On behalf of the president and committee, we would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has played a part in rebuilding the strong foundations of our club.
“Just 12-months-ago, the Panthers had no men’s teams entered in the 2025 Christie and Hood Castlereagh League competition.
“From those difficult circumstances, the club entered 2025 with a single women’s team and finished the 2026 season with four senior teams and around 100 registered players.
“That transformation did not happen overnight, nor could it have happened without an incredible amount of work behind the scenes.
“It is a testament to the dedication of our committee, coaches, volunteers and players, and above all, the unwavering support of the Gilgandra and surrounding communities.
“All of our teams in 2026 have been competitive in what is a strong regional rugby league competition, demonstrating that the foundations being rebuilt at the club are beginning to take shape.
“After many years we welcomed back a youth league side into our club. We are excited to nurture the talent and passion these young men have for the game as they will play an instrumental role in keeping bush footy strong into the future.”
President Jordan also noted some of the key outcomes for the community of fielding four teams and being a strong club again.
“But this season has been about much more than what happened on the footy field. One special aspect of 2026 has been seeing communities come together to celebrate our club’s history and remember the players, mates and members who have been taken from us far too early,” he commented.
“The Pug Farragher Old Boys Weekend was a standout example of what the Panthers can achieve when people come together. The weekend brought former players, families, supporters and the wider rugby league community together, while also creating new connections with the Penrith Panthers.
“Those connections ultimately helped the club give something back to our community that has supported us so strongly. Through the Old Boys Weekend, an incredible $8000 was raised for the Gilgandra and District Cancer Fundraisers.
“A result that the entire club can be incredibly proud of. It was a powerful reminder that a footy club is about much more than winning games.
“It is about people, friendships, memories and giving back to the community that supports us. The committee would also like to acknowledge our wonderful sponsors.
“Thanks to our major Sponsors at the Gilgandra Royal Hotel who have once again provided enormous support to our club. Your support has been instrumental in allowing the Panthers to rebuild and provide our community and fans with local Saturday footy again. To every local business and individual who has backed the club this year, thank you.
“To our volunteers, often working quietly behind the scenes, we simply could not have done it without you. And finally, to our players and their families, thank you for believing in the Panthers and committing yourselves to the club during such an important year.
“The 2026 season has shown us that the bones of the Gilgandra Panthers are looking strong once again. There is still work to be done, but after the progress made this year, there is genuine excitement and optimism surrounding what 2027 can bring.
“The Panthers are back and the best is still to come!”
Major award winners noted at presentation night
Gilgandra Panthers cap off rebuilding year and look to 2027
The Gilgandra Panthers Senior Rugby League Club have officially closed the book on a significant 2026 season, celebrating the achievements of players at their annual presentation night before appointing a new executive committee to lead the club into 2027.
The achievements of the season were celebrated at the Gilgandra Services Club on Saturday night (September 12), with players recognised across the Youth League, League Tag, Reserve Grade and First Grade teams.
2026 Castlereagh League Joint Players of the Year
Sailor Ryan (Youth League)
DJ Smith (First Grade)
Youth League Awards
Most Consistent: Sam Dunn.
Most Improved: Cale McEwen
Best Back: Ryder Ryan.
Best Forward: Jackson Lang.
Players Player: Brody Heffer.
Best and Fairest: Sailor Ryan
League Tag Awards
Most Improved: Shari Grimshaw.
Coaches Award: Kathryn Larkin.
Players Player: Kiara Brown.
Reg McEwen Award: Kadesia Wakley.
Best and Fairest: Kirsten Louie.
Reserve Grade Awards
Most Improved: Tony Sutherland.
Best Back: Jaylem Peters.
Best Forward: Paul Widders.
Best and Fairest: Jerome Chatfield.
First Grade Awards
Most Improved: Wayne Smith.
The Chris Nelson Best Back Award: Josh Bamblett.
Gilgandra Services Club Best and Fairest: DJ Smith.
Ted the Painter Memorial Players Player: Dev Bamblett.
Rookie of the Year: Brody Heffer.
John Farragher Encouragement Award: Brody Heffer.
Old Boys Player of the Year: Kenny Johnson.
The Gilgandra Weekly Most Consistent Award: Luke Ritchie.
Panthers Player of the Year: Tyler Bamblett.
Ten year milestones also honoured
The committee would also like to recognise the long-term commitment of Rachael Nixon, Samantha Hazelton and Damien Jordan, who each reached an impressive 10-year milestone with the club in 2026.
Their decade of commitment and contribution to the Panthers is a testament to the people who continue to give their time to the club year after year, and the committee congratulates all three on reaching the milestone.
AGM successful with new committee ready for 2027
With celebrations for 2026 complete, the club’s annual general meeting was held at the Royal Hotel on Sunday morning (September 13), with 22 people turning out to support the next season of the Panthers.
The club is excited to announce the new executive committee for the upcoming 2027 Castlereagh League season: Damien Jordan (president), Grant Zell (vice-president), Joshua Masling (junior vice-president), Bryson Luff (secretary), Laura Jordan (treasurer), Shane Byrne (club registrar) and Abby Tate (publicity officer).
After a year focused heavily on rebuilding the club, the Panthers will now look to carry that momentum into 2027.
The turnaround of the past 12 months has been made possible through the efforts of players, coaches, committee members, volunteers, sponsors, supporters and the wider Gilgandra community, with plenty of optimism surrounding what comes next for the club.
Following a year that put the foundations back in place, the Panthers will be hoping 2027 can be another step forward for rugby league in Gilgandra.
