Hardcore Penrith Panthers fans pack out open training session ahead of 2022 NRL grand final

Die-hard Panthers supporters have flocked to Penrith Stadium in droves to get a glimpse of their heroes at an open training session prior to Sunday’s grand final. 

Willing Penrith players stayed on the field for a huge length of time after training, signing autographs and taking selfies with the fans.

Skipper Nathan Cleary continued for so long, he was asked to stop by security – but delighted the crowd by refusing to leave the field. 

Panthers coach Ivan Cleary takes a selfie with some of his young fans

Nathan Cleary is handed a newborn baby so he can have a photo taken with one of Penrith’s newest fans

Cleary is all smiles as he holds one the bub and gives the child’s family a very special and unique keepsake

Cleary has been brilliant in this finals series despite returning from a long suspension – and was easily the most in-demand player. 

So beloved and trusted by the fanbase is the talented halfback, he was handed a newborn baby from over the fence in order to take a photo and give its parents the ultimate keepsake.

Of course, he happily obliged, like he and his father, coach Ivan Cleary, did with the other thousands of selfie and autograph requests.

Winger Brian To’o takes a selfie and signs autographs for fans – including one on a giant picture of his own face

The owner of the giant Brian To’o face poster is clearly one of the most dedicated Panthers fans. She shows off her huge premiership tattoo, which features the NRL trophy and the club’s three titles in 1991, 2003 and 2021

One of the most hardcore fans, a female with purple hair, showed off her impressive arm tattoo that features the Provan-Summons Trophy, the three years the club has won the Premiership and Panthers written in the club’s black, green, yellow, red and white colours.

Given the woman also owns a giant carboard cut-out post of Brian To’o’s face – which he autographed – she may well be one of the club’s most fanatical supporters.

Winger Izack Tago poses for a photograph with a young female fan at the open training session

Jarome Luai made sure to hand out plenty of high fives to supporters as he ran out onto the ground on Tuesday

Nathan Cleary appears to have had a great time mingling with the club’s fans ahead of Sunday’s grand final

Cleary – sporting his own premiership tattoo on his ribs – signed so many autographs that he was asked to leave the field by security, which he refused to do 

Cleary and the Panthers will be playing in their third consecutive grand final when they take on the Eels at Accor Stadium in Homebush on Sunday night.

After winning the Clive Churchill Medal last year, many are expecting another top performance from the half, who is in red-hot form.

Penrith’s iconic 2003 premiership hero, Scott Sattler, said Cleary’s talent was overwhelming for the opposition – and he hasn’t even reached his peak yet.

‘We are witnessing greatness with Nathan. We are in the midst of a guy who is 24 years of age and still hasn’t found the best part of his game,’ he said. 

‘Dominant halves like Nathan overwhelm the opposition with their greatness.’

Spencer Leniu (left) and Izack Tago take selfies and sign autographs for fans after training

It was all busy while the side was training, however, with (l-r) Nathan Cleary, Stephen Crichton and Mitch Kenny working on their defence

The highlight of grand final week will be the Dally M Medal night on Wednesday, with a number of Panthers expected to poll well. 

The squad will then make another appearance for their fans on Thursday afternoon, and are holding their grand final luncheon, featuring several past greats, on Friday.

Sunday’s grand final is scheduled to kick off at 7.30pm.