The game was the fifth in a row the Panthers have played at Bathurst's Carrington Park since signing a deal with Bathurst Regional Council. 

It should have been the last game in that deal, but it was announced in April 2017 that the deal had been extended through to 2028. 

With 10,287 people in the crowd, it was clear the annual Bathurst NRL match has the support of fans. 

The crowd had 1463 people more than the previous record, which was set at the first Bathurst game in 2014, between the Panthers and the Cronulla Sharks. 

While the Panthers lost by six points to the Cowboys, Mayor Graeme Hanger said it was still an amazing night for football fans, Bathurst and the relationship it has with the Panthers.

"It was a great crowd, great atmosphere, lots of children there and a lot of people from out of town," he said. 

The Panthers regularly play on well-manicured stadium fields. 

People would expect Carrington Park, a ground out west, to struggle to meet the same standard, but Cr Hanger said that simply isn’t the case.

“The Panthers people are very happy with the ground, so well done to the council staff for that,” he said.

“They said it’s better than some of the ones they go to.” 

But the partnership between council and the Panthers is not all about one big game a year. 

There is much more to this pilgrimage that a lot of football fans likely have no idea about. 

While the fans are going about their daily lives in the days leading up to their trek to Bathurst, the Panthers are already here – and not just to practice. 

The team holds a clinic with junior players to give them an unbelievable NRL learning experience, where they are taught how to pass, catch, kick and tackle by some of the best in the sport. 

Around 300 juniors participated this year. 

Players also attended the Peachy/Richardson Gala Day at the St Pat’s Rugby League grounds on Hereford Street, where they spoke to the 400 juniors taking part in the gala. 

Although it wasn’t on the cards this time, in previous years the Panthers players have visited some of the local schools for talks and demonstrations. 

Cr Hanger said it is always fantastic to have the players engage with the community while they are in Bathurst. 

The 2019 NRL draw has yet to be determined, so no one knows when the Panthers will make their return to Bathurst.

Cr Hanger said he didn’t have a preference for what time of year Bathurst hosts the game, noting that there hasn’t been much consistency with the round or time of day in the past. 

“We’ll take it whenever they get it,” he said. 

“The Panthers like coming here – and the NRL makes the decision – but we’re happy for them to come any time.”