It’s been nearly 10 years since Panthers inducted its first four players into the club’s Hall of Fame. Like the Masked Panther pointed out only a few weeks ago, perhaps it’s time to induct another player.
Well, I’ll go one step further than that and say, I think it’s time to induct not just one more player but given that the last inductees were in 2016, it’s time to induct at least three more players.
To get the conversation started I’d like to suggest the three players I would like to see inducted into the Panthers Hall of Fame.
John Cartwright
Cartwright played 184 first grade games for Penrith between 1985-1996.
Nicknamed both ‘Carty’ and ‘Hoss’ he became best known for his superb one-handed offloads to support players in heavy traffic.
Cartwright was special because he did this while playing in the second-row his entire rugby league career.
Simply put, forwards back then did not pass the ball let alone with such skill and accuracy.
He also played in the club’s first premiership team of 1991.
Add to these impressive achievements the fact that Cartwright also played eight games for New South Wales between 1989-92 and an incredible 18 tests for Australia between 1990-92.
Steve Carter
The boy from Wyong came to Penrith in 1988 and quickly established himself as a quality five-eighth.
‘Scarter’ as he was affectionately nicknamed, went on to play 242 first grade games for the Panthers and held the honour of being the most capped Penrith player of all time until his record was surpassed last year by current co-captain Isaah Yeo.
Carter helped steer the Panthers to their inaugural premiership victory in 1991 alongside fellow legend Greg Alexander.
He also represented New South Wales in 1992 as well as NSW Country Origin from 1991-95.
Ryan Girdler
The super talented centre who also played a little five-eighth joined Penrith from the Illawarra Steelers in 1993 and went on to become a fan favourite with the Panthers faithful.
In total, ‘Girds’ as he was nicknamed, played 204 first grade games with Penrith and until last week when Nathan Cleary eclipsed his long-standing record, he was the club’s all-time leading point scorer with 101 tries, 581 goals and six field-goals for a combined total of 1572 points.
He became later known as the ‘Intercept King’ for his many intercept tries and he also possessed a superb flick pass. In 2000 Girdler set one of his many records at Penrith, kicking 78 goals in the season.
Girdler won a comp and represented both New South Wales and Australia.
So, to wrap it all up, in sport, a ‘Hall of Fame’ is a prestigious recognition of individuals who have achieved exceptional excellence and made significant contributions to their respective sport.
There’s no doubt that John Cartwright, Steve Carter and Ryan Girdler have all achieved such excellence not only for Penrith but the sport of rugby league more broadly.
The three players I’ve selected have to be in the discussion when it comes time for Penrith to once again open the doors to the Panthers Hall of Fame.
I just hope it happens sooner, rather than later.