WAY back in 2014, Dubbo junior Isaah Yeo was a fledgling youngster looking to make a name for himself at the Penrith Panthers.
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After playing his first nine games at either centre or coming off the bench, it was his 10th career match that saw him start at the second row.
And that match happened right here in Bathurst, but his Panthers suffered a 18-16 loss to the Cronulla Sharks, in what was the first NRL match played in Bathurst.
It was in those early days that Panthers hadn't yet captured the full support of the local community.
Fast forward 10 years, Penrith have won three consecutive premierships and Bathurst is well and truly a Panthers city, at least according to Yeo.
He remembers a time when he barely saw a Panthers jersey in the lead up to the game.
"I'm fortunate enough that we have this relationship in Bathurst, being a yearly thing," he said.
"Just going off the jerseys alone, when we first started coming out here, it was rare to see Penrith jerseys.
"Now you have a look out there and there's a million of them. It means we have the support of the town, so it feels good."
A match for the Western connections
Of the 10 NRL matches played at Carrington Park between 2014-2023, Yeo has played in seven of those.
He even featured in a NSW Cup match back in 2015.
But whatever level he's played at, he's had his family watching on, making the commute from Mudgee, where they're now based.
"It does make this match a bit easier for me, with the family watching," he said.
"It's a home game for us now and we certainly enjoy it."
And Yeo is not the only local featuring in Saturday's game.
Blayney Bears junior Liam Henry has been named on the bench for the Panthers, while Orange CYMS graduate Jack Cole and Wellington boy Tyrone Peachey have been listed as one of five reserves.
Former Panther and Forbes Magpies junior Charlie Staines has been named at wing for the Wests Tigers, while another former Panther and Wellington talent Brent Naden will play at centre.
"It's not just myself but we've got a couple of boys that are really close to out here as well," Yeo said.
"I've played with a few of the guys before and I'm glad they're doing well. Hopefully they don't go very well on Saturday but it's always good for not just Penrith but any club that has a connection to the bush and in particular the Central West."
