CLUB VALUES

“You see it all around the Panthers Rugby League Academy; the values of the club – being selfless and putting others before you. I think that’s really important. It’s showed on the field for us this year: everyone is really good mates and play for each other. Again, Peter Wallace is a great role model for that.

“The gym at the Academy is amazing. I don’t think you’ll find a better gym in the NRL at the moment. I also think the video room and auditorium are pretty cool. All the brain work and planning goes on in there. I love that joint.”

Inspirational former Panthers player Peter Wallace. (Photo by Getty Images)

LIFE AT THE ACADEMY

“It doesn’t feel like work because it’s such a great place. I love coming here every day. Having been away with the NSW State of Origin squad, I was excited to come back and be around the boys and see this great place again. It feels like a second home to me.

“This is a dream come true. I’ve wanted to play in the NRL for as long as I can remember, since I first started watching footy, as a three-year-old carrying a footy around. You just have to enjoy it. We’re really lucky to be in the position we are. When I get the chance, I love to muck around a bit, kicking a few balls around. I used to do it as a kid and now I’m doing it for a job. It’s pretty crazy.”

Nathan Cleary in action for the Blues in his debut Origin series in 2018. (Photo by Getty Images)

R.E.S.P.E.C.T

“It’s a respect thing with the Penrith players. We owe it to the staff. They work their arses off for us. Something as little as picking balls up after training just so they don’t have to … things like that get drilled into you. My parents have raised me like that: that whole respect aspect. Then it’s there at training, coming through the junior system. It’s really important. That’s why everyone on the team is such good blokes. And everyone gets along so well.”

(As told to James Smith)