IF you heard a roar yesterday, it might just have been coming from Eglinton Public School during the Penrith Panthers’ visit.
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The Panthers will take on Canberra tomorrow in the third year of their five-year deal to play an annual NRL game in Bathurst.
As part of their latest visit to Bathurst, Panthers players did the rounds and visited 10 local schools yesterday.
When captain Matt Moylan, Bryce Cartwright, Tyrone Peachey and Josh Mansour entered the school hall at Eglinton Public yesterday, that’s when the students roared.
During their half-hour visit, the players ran games which often erupted in thunderous applause from the year four to six students.
Among the very excited year four students to meet the Panthers were Billy Osborne, Jacob Ballie and Sienna Whalan, all aged nine.
“It was exciting because we got to play lots of games,” Sienna said.
Jacob, who is going to tomorrow’s game, was excited about the visit, but admitted the Panthers are not his “number one team”.
“They’re not my favourite, but they’re my third or fourth favourite. I like the Rabbitohs,” he said.
Billy, who is going to the game as well, said he learnt from the players that he should get 11 hours of sleep each night.
“I only get 10,” he said.
Sienna is sure the Panthers will win tomorrow, predicting a score of 18-12.
Panthers second-rower Bryce Cartwright said he always enjoys the school visits, and the reactions from excited students.
And in the lead-up to the big game, he admitted he likes playing on smaller country grounds such as at Bathurst.
“I’m used to playing in huge stadiums, it’s so noisy, but this feels like a ground like I used to play on when I was a kid,” he said.
Acting school principal Meleesa Smith said it was a very exciting visit for the 280 students in the hall.
“It didn’t need a lot of ramping up from us at all,” she said.
“They’ve seen all the flags and signs in town, and the ads on TV, and they were excited.”
Ms Smith also praised Panthers management for the healthy living messages they spoke about during their visit.
“They’ve got a really good educational message for the children. It’s really important that people with a high profile share these messages,” she said.
The Penrith Panthers and Canberra Raiders clash will kick-off at Carrington Park at 3pm tomorrow.
Visit www.bathurstnrl.com.au to buy tickets.
