Courtney lifts NRL Premiership trophy

Lifelong Penrith Panthers fan and Western Sydney-born James Courtney has lived out a childhood dream, getting up close with the NRL Premiership Trophy.

The Panthers won the 2021 NRL Premiership last month, for the first time in three decades.  

Courtney met with Fox Sports Commentator and former Panthers Captain Greg Alexander at the Panthers Leagues Club on Wednesday, where the Premiership trophy is on display for fans.

The 2010 Supercars Champion lifted the NRL Premiership Trophy alongside Alexander, with the pair discussing the historic win.

“To see the Panthers doing so well, for me as a passionate Panthers supporter and a really proud Westie, to have three premierships now is fantastic,” Courtney said of the Panthers team.

“There are teams out there that haven't even won one yet, so I think the boys are doing really well over the last couple of years.

“They've done a fantastic job with building such a young side and getting that experience into the guys.

Courtney and Greg Alexander (left) with the NRL Premiership trophy

“I think they're doing a fantastic job and I think this is a start of hopefully a long legacy.”

Courtney claimed his best result of the 2021 Repco Supercars Championship last weekend, with his 61st career podium finish at the ARMOR ALL Sydney SuperNight.

Reflecting on grand final night, the Tickford Racing driver said it was a memorable experience at his family’s base on the Gold Coast.  

“We were going crazy,” Courtney admitted.

“We had a Panthers-themed day, there was plenty of beer drunk through that evening and we enjoyed celebrating.

“We were partying like Westies, enjoying the atmosphere and bringing Penrith to the coast.

“Everyone in the street knew who won and what team we were supporting.”

Former Panthers captain Alexander, who led the team to its maiden premiership in 1991, and has been a long-term friend of Courtney’s.

“I don't mind the cars,” said Alexander.

“I’ve been to a Bathurst 1000 event, and I do watch it every now and then, I enjoy it.

“I think there's a great affinity between Rugby League fans and Supercars fans.

“I think a lot of people that support Supercars and the Panthers cross over.

“I've known James for a long time, and he is one of our best-known supporters.

“We've done a lot of things together, and it's good to see him crack the podium down here at Sydney Motorsport Park, and then hopefully he can do well in Bathurst come early December.”

Courtney has supported the Panthers since he was a boy growing up in Emu Plains.

The #44 Boost Mobile Mustang driver now shares the passion with his son Cadel, who has begun playing footy this season.

“He’s doing really well on the wing this year, he's a mad Panthers supporter, his school bag, his lunchbox, and he only wears Panthers clothes and jerseys.

Courtney at the Panthers Leagues Club on Wednesday

“There's no danger of him becoming a Titans fan, he’s 100 per cent Westie and loves the Panthers.

Sunday’s podium marked a key turnaround for Tickford at Sydney Motorsport Park with the squad struggling to consistently reach the top 10 over the previous weekends.

It was Courtney's second podium for Tickford Racing and first since Darwin 2020.

He launched from 13th for Sunday’s finale, before tangling with fellow Boost Mobile-backed driver Brodie Kostecki at Turn 3, both finding the tyre wall.

The oldest driver in the Supercars field at 41, Courtney will be looking to repeat his season-best when cars hit the track this weekend.

“It’s good to be the oldest guy in the field, experience is something I've got a lot of,” Courtney said,

“Getting the podium in Western Sydney on the weekend was fantastic.

“I’m a proud Westie, I grew up just down the road, I was born at the Napean hospital.

“So to get a result out West is fantastic.

“Hopefully we keep that rolling on, and hopefully this weekend we can get a win.”

The 2021 Repco Supercars Championship will resume this weekend at the BP Ultimate Sydney SuperSprint.

Every session of the event will be broadcast live on Foxtel (Fox Sports 506) and streamed on Kayo.

The Seven Network will showcase highlights of the event.

Tickets for the event are on sale now.