Dragons run out:
Gasnier, Smith, Langlands, Raper, Walsh …
Stellar line-up, stellar team.
Now, the Panthers:
Moran, Fagan, Landers, Peckham, Workman …
Red V legends up-close excites locals.
Excitement intensifies as unexpected unfolds.
Final whistle.
Panthers victory!
Magical victory.
Field invaded.
Kids mob immortals**, pat their backs,
Get autographs,
Then pretend to be them.
Notes:
* 23rd April 1967 – the date of perhaps the most famous (non-Grand Final) victory in the history of the Penrith Panthers. I don’t know if it is possible to adequately describe that victory here – no, it is not. The Panthers between the reigning premiers St George by 24-12. St George had been premiers for the previous 11 consecutive years, and they were the favourite team of many locals (especially before Penrith’s promotion). Â Unfortunately, Reg “Puff the Magic Dragon” Gasnier – one of the original immortals – broke his leg early in the game. Apart from the moment it was an emotionally magical day. In backyard games it was no longer “I’m Reg Gasnier” it was now “I’m Grahame Moran” or “I’m Wayne Peckham.” That was an important shift.
* *Yes we mobbed the visiting legends in red and white but the real stars were the boys in brown and white – they attracted even more attention than their illustrious counterparts. Here is a picture of one of ,my favourites in action. I am not sure this is from the same game but it is a shot that characterises Wayne Peckham’s approach to defence. And for that reason it is one of my favourite images in the annals of RL.
365 Short Memories 
Magic day. I can’t remember the score in the 1991 or 2003 grand finals, but 24-12 is etched in the memory forever. (Unfortunately, so is 70-7 against Manly, when tries were worth three points. And 39-0, the day Eric Simms kicked five field goals.) Gasnier indeed left the field, but not with a broken leg. He had what might be politely described as a stomach complaint. I distinctly remember him trotting from the field. He broke his leg in the first test against Great Britain late in the same year.
Yes, Steve, I think you are right!!! Gasnier did break his leg in that test not in the Penrith game … many of my memories have been fused to the point they are indistinct with one or two or more merging into a mishmash that needs sorting out. A product of a variety of physical, electrical, & chemical processes. I love to be corrected and to be reminded of stuff that I have missed, messed up, or forgotten.
Hope you’re well Steve.
max
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