Contributed – Mick McDonald

SUPERSTAR South Sydney fullback Latrell Mitchell was one of the standout guests at the vibrant launch of the Taree City Panthers, held in conjunction with the Manning Valley Race Club meeting at the Bushland Drive Racecourse.

The event drew an enthusiastic crowd of around 500 people, all eager to celebrate a new era for Rugby League and sport in Taree.

Mitchell, who began his rugby league journey right here in Taree before rising to NRL stardom, has proudly accepted the role of patron for the newly formed Panthers.

Adding to the excitement, his father Matt will join the club as assistant coach of next year’s Taree City first grade side—a true hometown connection strengthening the club’s future.

The launch was packed with high-profile supporters, including NSW Rugby League CEO Dave Trodden, Newcastle Knights pathways coach Matt Nicholls, NRLW player Georgia Roche, and Club Taree CEO Paul Allan.

In a major boost for the club, Club Taree announced a three-year sponsorship commitment, further cementing its support of the local community.

A highlight of the day was the running of the Club Taree City Panthers Cup, the feature race of the meet.

The Panthers club itself is the exciting result of a merger between the Taree City Bulls (senior) and Taree Panthers (junior) clubs—uniting generations of local Rugby League passion under one banner.

Mitchell expressed his eagerness to give back to the community, saying he will support the Panthers in any way he can.

With two years left on his South Sydney contract, the idea of him one day finishing his career back in Taree has certainly sparked plenty of hopeful conversation.

Trodden praised Mitchell as a “great ambassador” for Rugby League, highlighting his commitment to junior development and his strong ties to the Indigenous community.

Nicholls also shared the Knights’ enthusiasm for expanding their presence on the Mid North Coast, supporting players, coaches, and staff through strengthened pathways.

Georgia Roche and Matt Nicholl from Newcastle Knights and David Trodden, CEO of NSWRL address the crowd.

Panther’s Senior Football Operations President, Len Hogan, said community response to the merger has been overwhelmingly positive. His own family’s deep rugby league history in the region—stretching back to the post-war years, underscores the pride and tradition behind the new Panthers identity.

Len and his twin brother Pat were both part of Taree City Bulls premiership teams in the early 2000s, while their father Bernard and uncles Greg and Mark were stars of the former Taree United teams in the 1970s and 80s.

Taree City boasts a proud history with first grade premierships in 2000, 2001, and 2007, as well as a grand final appearance in 2005.

Although the club has faced challenging years since, Hogan is optimistic that with time, hard work, and strong community backing, the Panthers can once again rise to premiership prominence.

The appointment of highly respected coach Phil Foster as the first grade coach for 2026, adds even more momentum.

With an impressive background—including assistant coaching roles in Canberra’s 1989 and 1990 premierships and with the NSW State of Origin team in 1991, as well as extensive Super League experience—Foster brings invaluable expertise.

After relocating to the area, he is excited to take on the challenge and confirmed the Panthers will begin training before Christmas, with trials already scheduled ahead of the 2026 season.

Adding to the sense of renewal, the club’s new playing strip was unveiled and proudly modelled by junior players, symbolising the bright future ahead.

Panther’s Junior Football Operations President, Bernie Sutton, applauded the launch as a resounding success and expressed his hope that it will mark the beginning of a new golden era for Rugby League in Taree.