GOOD NEWS: PENRITH PANTHERS BRING BACK CLUB LEGEND GRAHAME MORAN AS TEAM ADVISOR AND PLAYER PERSONAL
Penrith Panthers have delivered a major boost to their off-field setup with the announcement that club legend Grahame Moran is returning to the foot of the mountains as team advisor and player personal, reconnecting one of the club’s foundational figures with the current premiership-winning dynasty.
The 78-year-old, an original Panther who played in the club’s inaugural 1967 season, brings decades of experience and an unwavering commitment to Penrith’s success – both on and off the field – to his new dual role, where he will support players’ personal development and provide strategic guidance to the coaching and management team.
“Having Grahame back at the club is like bringing home a piece of our soul,” said Panthers CEO Matt Cameron. “His legacy here is unmatched, and his ability to connect with players, understand our community roots, and offer wisdom from his journey through the club’s early days to now will be invaluable as we look to build on our recent success.”
Moran’s place in Penrith folklore is etched in stone. As a skilful centre and five-eighth from 1967 to 1974, he became the first Panther to reach 100 first-grade games and the first to be selected for representative football, earning a spot in the New South Wales side. These milestones came during the club’s toughest early years, when they fought to establish themselves in the competition – a resilience that has become a hallmark of Penrith’s identity.
His contributions extend far beyond his playing career. In 2016, Moran served as Chairman of Panthers on the Prowl Community Foundation and as a Director for the Panthers Group, where he focused on driving growth while ensuring the club remained deeply connected to its local community. His work in those roles helped strengthen the Panthers’ reputation as a club that gives back, a value that continues to shape the organisation today.
Already inducted into the Panthers’ Team of Legends and Hall of Fame, Moran’s return marks a full-circle moment for the club. In his new role as player personal, he will work one-on-one with squad members to support their mental health, career transitions, and personal goals, while as team advisor, he will share insights on maintaining culture, navigating challenges, and honouring the club’s history.
“I never really left Penrith in my heart – this club has been part of my life for over 50 years,” Moran said in a statement. “To come back and work with this incredible group of players and staff, who have achieved what no other Panthers side has before, is a true privilege. I want to help these young men grow not just as footballers, but as people, and ensure the success we’re seeing now builds a legacy that lasts for generations.”
The announcement has been warmly received by current players, including co-captains Isaah Yeo and Nathan Cleary, who have expressed excitement at learning from a figure who helped lay the groundwork for their historic four consecutive premierships.
As Penrith prepares for the 2025 season, Moran’s return adds a powerful link between the club’s humble beginnings and its current status as an NRL powerhouse, ensuring the lessons of the past continue to guide its future.
