THE Penrith Panthers have arrived in Bathurst and they aren’t here for a holiday.
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They are in town on official business and that’s to grab two vital National Rugby League competition points.
Players, staff and officials arrived in the city yesterday ahead of Saturday’s match against the Canberra Raiders at Carrington Park.
With high hopes of a bumper 10,000-plus crowd for the big match, residents need to brace themselves for an outbreak of footy fever in the lead-up to game day.
That all started yesterday afternoon when the Penrith players held a coaching skills clinic at the Bathurst Sportsground, followed by a meet and greet and autograph session.
A civic reception was held yesterday evening for the visiting contingent at the National Motor Racing Museum.
Mayor Gary Rush said yesterday that the scene is set for a monumental encounter.
“Penrith have lost several matches by only a couple of points this season and that was certainly the case last weekend when they went down to the Cronulla Sharks 20-18 in a cliffhanger,” he said.
“Saying that, the Canberra Raiders are coming off a 60-6 thumping of the Wests Tigers, so they are in tremendous form.
“The Panthers know they have to win and we want to see a vocal home-town crowd get right behind our team.”
Cr Rush said interest in the game had been strong, with 2100 tickets sold.
He said that in the lead-up to the game there will be a number of opportunities for rugby league fans to get involved in the various community engagement activities being undertaken by the Panthers.
“Players will visit a number of local schools on Thursday and that night they will be at Panthers Bathurst for a meet and greet session,” he said.
“Players and coaching staff will also attend a mayoral reception and take part in Friday night’s sportsmen’s dinner.
“It’s shaping up to be a great few days for Bathurst, both on and off the field.”
For more information on what’s on or to purchase tickets, visit www.bathurstnrl.com. au. Tickets are also available from Panthers Bathurst.