BATHURST Panthers have sported a fearsome forward pack in recent years and now it's become even stronger.
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Panthers will enter the new Peter McDonald Premiership feeling confident of taking on anything in front of them after signing former NRL player Chris Grevsmuhl for the 2022 season.
Grevsmuhl, 28, who has previously played for both Orange CYMS and Orange Hawks in Group 10, adds a front or second row option for a team who are hoping they can be one of the benchmark squads in the expanded competition.
He brings 48 games of NRL experience across three years with the South Sydney Rabbitohs, Penrith Panthers and Gold Coast Titans into the Bathurst squad, plus an Indigenous All Stars appearance in 2015.
"This all started to come together around six weeks ago. I spoke to all the boys then and I was keen to have a run around with them," Grevsmuhl said.
"I don't know how many years are left that I'm going to play for but after having a talk with them I was really keen to play next year."
Grevsmuhl played just three games for the Hawks last season before COVID-19 brought the season to an early end.
Losing football was obviously disappointing for Grevsmuhl but what he found more upsetting was losing the social side of things - something he was finding rejuvenating during his time in country footy.
With Panthers, he's extra keen to get a full season's experience both on and off the field.
"Fingers crossed we get that," he laughed.
"It really put a dent in a lot of social things for people all over the world.
"It's hard when you lose that social side of the game - where you get to play then have a beer with everyone afterwards. And you don't see anyone at training either. It's tough when you lose those connections with football going out the window."
Grevsmuhl said he's held a high opinion of Panthers' football ability since he joined Group 10, and believes the stability of their lineup is something to be admired.
"I've been able to socialise with the Panthers boys for a while and I've known Dougie for a long time through footy," he said.
"I think Panthers have been the premier team in the competition over the past few years and I've always got along with the blokes there. They're a good bunch of guys who have been together for a while now.
"They could have potentially gone back-to-back-to-back. There's a lot of guys who have been with the club through their whole career and it just allows them to stamp their mark on the competition."
Panthers have been a force in Group 10 over the past few seasons but 2022 will tell us whether they can match it with the best of Group 11.
Grevsmuhl has thrown his support behind the merger of the two competitions at the top level, believing that the battle for the title will be a fierce one.
"I've heard all sorts of opinions about it. I really like the setup of the new competition," he said.
"I think it will be great, especially with the season getting a bit bigger. It'll be fun for everyone having the trips away together and I think it definitely strengthens up country rugby league."
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