Panthers tackling bullying at NRL Community Carnival

Day one of the Panthers Community Carnival journey across Bathurst, Orange and surrounding towns was definitely one to remember.

The players left early in the morning to head up the Blue Mountains. While Mose Masoe and Tom Humble were dropped to Blackheath, and David Simmons and Tom Eisenhuth left the bus at Lithgow to visit schools in these areas, the rest of the of the boys continued on to Bathurst.

There, they were divided into five groups that visited 19 local schools helping spread the message at the heart of this year's Community Carnival: that of 'Tackle Bullying'.

The Panthers proved very popular with the school kids, being swamped as soon as setting foot in the playgrounds. The look of excitement on the kids faces show just how popular rugby league is with country kids.

The children asked some great questions and were shown an anti-bullying DVD, before the players spoke about the importance of stamping out this worrying epidemic. The kids were also thrilled to have the players handing out prizes and signing team posters, and getting snaps with their favourite stars.

Kevin Kingston and Josh Mansour even took part in a 'Gangnam Style' dance-off and played some strength and football skill games with some lucky children.

After the school visits the Panthers took part in a junior rugby league clinc at Morse Park. There was a great turnout with more than 300 kids and stacks of parents showing up. The players put the kids through a number of drills and skills tests whilst signing team posters throughout.

Day one might be over, but the good news is the Panthers will be back for day two on Friday, ahead of our first trial for 2013 against the Wests Tigers at Carrington Park. We hope to see plenty of fans flying the Panthers colours in the crowd!