Nathan Cleary makes a fashion statement as Penrith stars step out with glamorous WAGs at club awards
- Panthers players hit the red carpet after 48 hours of celebration
- Co-captain Isaah Yeo was crowned Penrith’s Player of the Year
Penrith Panthers stars have sobered up and prepared for their annual presentation night after confirming their status as rugby league’s best team in almost 60 years on Sunday.
The four-time premiership winners have spent the last two days behind closed doors at their Rugby League Academy celebrating their historic 14-6 win over the Storm in the NRL grand final.
On Tuesday evening the team took to the red carpet at the nearby Pullman Hotel with their glamorous WAGs for the Merv Cartwright Medal.
It wasn’t just traditional suits and ties either, with players like Nathan Cleary, Dylan Edwards and Brian To’o showing off their eclectic style credentials.
Panthers co-captain Isaah Yeo was rewarded for an excellent season by once again winning the Merv Cartwright Medal, which he previously won in 2018 and 2023.
Hooker Mitch Kenny claimed the John Farragher Award for courage and determination in recognition of his dedication during the season.
Young prop Liam Henry received the Ben Alexander Rookie of the Year award after an impressive season after cementing his place in the NRL in 2024.
Striker Matt Eisenhuth was named Club Person of the Year after another great season.
Jarome Luai and partner Paris pictured with Brian and Moesha To’o
Scott Sorensen and his wife Elle took a selfie on the way to the event
During the presentation, Clive Churchill winner Liam Martin revealed why he became emotional as he accepted the award at the Accor Stadium.
“I think about the sheer size of it, just as I walked onto the stage. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would win such an award,” Martin said.
“It almost got me there for a while, but I had to pull it back.”
‘It was a very special moment.’
After the match on Sunday, the team was bused from the stadium to the club’s grounds in the early hours of the morning, but not without a pit stop at the Panthers Leagues club.
‘Best ever… Big love for the riff!’ Nathan Cleary captioned an Instagram clip of the club in party mode.
Isaiah Iongi and Izack Tago were in good spirits after two days of partying
Nathan Cleary took a selfie with his teammates before heading to Great Britain
Players were still at it when Monday arrived, when Izack Tago posted a clip on social media of his bleary-eyed teammates.
The team would normally hold a fan greeting at the BlueBet Stadium on the Monday after the victory, but the club opted to postpone the official occasion.
When asked on Sunday night how the title of the best team of the NRL era sat with him, Cleary suggested it was now undisputed.
“In the NRL era for sure. I don’t think there’s much more we can do,” the Penrith halfback said.
Panthers co-captain Isaah Yeo was crowned Penrith’s Player of the Year
“That Dragons team was a great term at the time and did a great job. But in terms of the NRL era, it’s pretty crazy.
“We’ve lost great players on this journey, and we’ll lose even more next year, but we just keep finding a way, people just step up.
“Paul Alamoti came in and lost Critta (Stephen Crichton) and then Taylan May, and now he’s on the big stage and he’s definitely on the mend.
“It’s special to have that culture and bring in people who just do their job and probably exceed it, honestly.”