Cover of the July 1966 Penrith Rugby League Club Journal … says it all.
My reformation year – 1967.
The year when elite Rugby League
Came to Penrith.
Five influential men* pushed for
NSWRL promotion decision.
Announced on July 4th – American Independence Day – 1966.
Pivotal event for Penrith region, community, residents,
And us, personally.
Celebrations!!
One of the five “drivers” – Roger – overslept on July 5th.
Wasn’t his usual self!!
Notes:
* Popular culture has the promotion coming as a result of the super-human effort of one man – Merv Cartwright. His efforts have been rightly acclaimed and honoured.
There were many who made important contributions to the effort and who have not receive appropriate attention.
Four others, in particular, who were equally strident, passionate, energetic, and resolute in the drive to have the Penrith Panthers promoted. They were:
– Bill Chapman – who was the Penrith City Mayor at the time. A highly regarded local businessman. His son Greg Chapman later joined the Panthers Board.
– Harold Corr – the Penrith City Town Clerk. I was lucky enough to count his son James as one of my schoolmates up until I left Penrith Primary at the end of 1966.
– Jack Argent – the Parramatta delegate to the NSWRL. If Penrith was not promoted it would be Wentworthville (on Parramatta’s doorstep) and Parramatta lobbied heavily against Wentworthville’s promotion.
– and … Roger – who was, sorry, is … well, Roge.
Of course there were others who were heavily involved in this effort. Right in the mix there was our coach Leo Trevena. Here he is on the front of the club magazine in 1966, with Tony Brown (captain) and Merv.
365 Short Memories 