The inaugural Panthers Women’s team made history on Sunday, kicking off their debut season with a hard-fought 22-14 victory over the Central Coast Roosters in Round 1 of the 2025 NSW Women’s Premiership. It was a momentous occasion for the club, the players, and the fans, marking the beginning of a new era for women’s rugby league in Penrith. The match, played at a sun-drenched Panthers Stadium, was a showcase of skill, determination, and the growing strength of the women’s game, with the home side delivering a performance that lived up to the occasion.
From the opening whistle, the Panthers Women’s team played with an intensity that set the tone for the match. The forward pack laid a solid foundation, dominating the middle with strong carries and aggressive defense. The Roosters, a well-established side in the competition, came prepared, testing Penrith’s resolve early with a series of attacking plays. However, the Panthers’ defensive line held firm, repelling multiple raids on their try line before striking first through a well-worked backline move that saw winger Jess Smith dive over in the corner. The conversion was unsuccessful, but the early try sent a clear message—the Panthers were here to compete.
The Roosters responded quickly, capitalizing on a defensive lapse to level the scores. The game settled into a tight contest, with both teams trading blows in a physical battle. The Panthers’ halves combination of Sarah Thompson and Emily Carter began to find their rhythm, directing play with confidence and keeping the Roosters guessing with a mix of short passes and strategic kicks. Just before halftime, the Panthers regained the lead when lock forward Mia Williams barged over from close range, powering through three defenders to plant the ball under the posts. This time, the conversion was successful, sending the home side into the break with a 10-4 advantage.
The second half saw the Roosters come out firing, determined to claw their way back into the contest. A clever grubber kick from their halfback caught the Panthers’ defense napping, resulting in a try that narrowed the gap to just two points. The momentum briefly shifted in favor of the visitors, but the Panthers refused to panic. Their composure under pressure was impressive, particularly for a new team still finding its feet at this level. A crucial moment came midway through the half when fullback Chloe Roberts pulled off a try-saving tackle, halting what looked like a certain Roosters breakaway.
That defensive effort seemed to galvanize the Panthers, who soon extended their lead with a brilliant individual effort from five-eighth Emily Carter. Spotting a gap in the Roosters’ defensive line, she stepped off her left foot, accelerated through the hole, and outpaced the cover defense to score near the posts. The successful conversion made it 16-8, giving the Panthers some breathing room. However, the Roosters weren’t done yet. A quick shift to the left saw their outside back cross in the corner, setting up a tense final 10 minutes with the score at 16-14.
With the game in the balance, the Panthers dug deep. Their forwards, led by captain and prop forward Tiana Penitani, lifted their work rate, making crucial meters to ease the pressure. The decisive moment came in the 73rd minute when a perfectly executed set play saw center Lauren Brown slice through the Roosters’ defense before offloading to supporting hooker Amy Harrison, who sprinted 20 meters to score under the posts. The conversion sealed the game at 22-14, sparking wild celebrations from the Panthers’ bench and the vocal home crowd.
The final minutes were a testament to the Panthers’ resilience as they withstood a late Roosters onslaught to secure the historic win. The full-time siren triggered emotional scenes, with players embracing in recognition of what they had just achieved together. For many in the squad, this was the culmination of years of hard work, sacrifice, and belief that they would one day represent Penrith at this level.
Post-match, Panthers coach Jamie Soward praised his team’s effort, particularly their defensive resolve and ability to stay composed under pressure. “We knew the Roosters would throw everything at us, especially in the second half, but the way the girls stuck to their structures and trusted each other was fantastic,” he said. “This is just the beginning for us, and there’s plenty to work on, but today was about celebrating this group and what they’ve achieved.”
Captain Tiana Penitani echoed those sentiments, emphasizing the significance of the win for women’s rugby league in the region. “To run out in Panthers colors for the first time and get the win in front of our fans is something we’ll never forget,” she said. “This team has worked so hard to get here, and we want to inspire the next generation of young girls who dream of playing for Penrith one day.”
The victory was more than just two competition points—it was a statement. The Panthers Women’s team has arrived, and their debut performance proved they have the talent, determination, and spirit to compete with the best in the competition. The crowd of over 3,000 fans, a record for a standalone NSW Women’s Premiership match, was a clear indication of the growing interest in the women’s game and the excitement surrounding this new chapter for the Panthers.
Looking ahead, the challenge will be to build on this momentum. The competition only gets tougher from here, with clashes against powerhouse teams like the Sydney Roosters, St George Illawarra, and Newcastle looming. But if Round 1 was any indication, the Panthers have the potential to make a serious impact in their inaugural season. The blend of experienced campaigners and exciting young talent gives the squad a balanced dynamic, and the team’s willingness to play an expansive, attacking style will make them a thrilling side to watch.
For the players, this is just the start of their journey. Many have come through the local junior ranks, while others have joined from rival clubs, united by the goal of establishing the Panthers as a force in women’s rugby league. The support from the club, including access to elite facilities and coaching staff, has been instrumental in their development, and the players are determined to repay that faith with strong performances week in, week out.
As the sun set on Panthers Stadium, the significance of the day was not lost on anyone involved. This was more than just a game—it was a milestone for women’s sport, a celebration of progress, and a glimpse into a bright future. The Panthers Women’s team has already made history, and if their debut is anything to go by, there are plenty more memorable moments to come.
For now, the players, coaches, and fans can savor this victory—a perfect start to a new era. The Panthers are on the board, and the message is clear: they’re here to compete, to inspire, and to win. The journey has only just begun.
