2017 Auckland 9s - New Faces - Penrith Panthers

Captain Isaah Yeo is the only Panther who played exclusively in first grade in 2016.

Most of the Auckland Nines squad for the mountain men played Intrust Super Premiership or Holden Cup Under 20's, and a few are on the first rung of the league career ladder.  This squad is the exact opposite to the Cowboys in selection and approach, however, like all squads some players will take the chance to impress management and fans alike.

Jed Cartwright bleeds "Panther Brown". His grandfather ‘Merv' Cartwright was a long standing administrator at the club and Jed's father John played 184 matches for Penrith (between 1985-96) before moving into coaching. His cousin Bryce is already a first grader at the club. Jed is a raw boned 2nd rower who played 24 matches for the Titans NYC side over two seasons before coming home to Penrith. 2017 is his first visit to Auckland 9's.

On the wing, Christian Crichton played 20 matches for the Panthers Holden Cup team in 2016. This young winger grew up in Western Sydney and was a St Mary's junior.  Of Samoan heritage he is a dedicated Christian and is chasing his dream to play Rugby League at the highest level. Knowing that sport is a short to medium term pursuit, he aims to be a teacher and role model for other young men with Pacific Island Heritage. Auckland will be his chance to reinforce for management that he is ready to play on the wing while Josh Mansour does his rehab - and maybe thereafter.

Kaide Ellis is another country boy hoping to follow in the footsteps of Andrew "Bobcat" Ryan, who also grew up in Dubbo and headed to Sydney to play first grade footy. Playing in his junior footy for St Johns Dubbo, Kaide arrived at Penrith in 2015 and has played 43 matches for the NYC side over two seasons. Like most young forwards he has, and will continue to improve with maturity, and in 2017 will be one of a dozen or so 100kg, hard-working back rowers the Panthers have stockpiled and ready to step up to first grade should the incumbents get hurt, lose form or move on to another club.