While Panthers were not involved in the inaugural running of Western's short under 21s pre-season competition, Gunn was one of the driving forces behind seeing the club sign up for next year's edition.

He sees the competition as playing a vital role in player development and retention and as such, feels greater emphasis will be placed on the age group in coming years.

"It's a really big jump for the young fellas coming out of under 18s to go into first division, every club across the whole Western area would find that difficult, losing a lot of players coming out of 18s," Gunn said.

"I think New South Wales Rugby League will see that long term 21s should be developed into a full season, I'm sure that's the aim, that's the goal they'll get too.

"Rugby league is one of the most dominant sports in the region, but we've got some work to do to keep them progressing after 18s.

"Panthers will definitely be a strong advocate for the 21s to continue on and develop into a full season."

Gunn will share the role of under 21s Panthers coach with Mick Carter and Jake Betts. He feels they will make a good combination, but pointed out they won't be the only ones to work with the emerging talents.

"Mick Carter, his involvement from the 18s into the 21s is vital, he's got a lot of respect from the young fellas. It's also a good stepping stone for Bettsy, it's good to help him out with that leadership role," Gunn said

"I think a lot of the senior boys too, there's been a pretty strong response from the senior guys 'When do the 21s start training? We'll come down and help'. It's been really positive."

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As for Gunn himself, he says he enjoys coaching developing players and thinks shaping a competitive under 21s outfit will have a flow-on effect in strengthening the ranks of Panthers' first division squad.

It will also add another element in Panthers' increasing focus on establishing pathways from juniors to seniors.

"They're at a raw age, some fellas develop a little bit quicker into the 18s, but then you might find that some of those boys as they hit 20-21, physically they've got a very different presence and mentally too," he said.

"With coaching first division I want to see some of these 21s boys develop into first division. To keep them interested and learning and developing, I think that will be a key for first grade as well with the new player points system NSW Rugby League has put in.

"The goal is for the young fellas to enjoy it, stick around and play first division and graduate into first grade. Panthers have been successful off the base of local juniors and with the amalgamation of junior league and senior league, it's only going to strengthen that."

As of late November, 11 clubs in the Western region had signed up for the under 21s competition. It builds on the six outfits that contested the 2021 edition and Gunn feels that growth trend will only continue.

But the immediate focus is on getting the current under 21 Panthers ready for the opening round on February 12.

"It's a very short turn around and there's not much training, but they're young, they're fit, we'll put some legs in them nice and early. If they're fit, they're in it," Gunn said.

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