You may not recognise him out of his Panthers jersey, but the guy standing in the foreground of the photo above is NSW Cup Captain Nathan Smith working on-site at Sportingbet Stadium, as part of his apprenticeship with HIX Electrical.
He is one of many Penrith players who, when they’re not playing or training, spend their time either working or studying.
This year, 23 players have started University degrees or College Pathways Programs. This is made possible through the Graduates of League Program, with many of our boys on campus at UWS and UWS College.
Wellington Albert –Business and Commerce
Brendan Attwood – Health and Movement
Liam Ayoub – Clinical Studies Physiotherapy
Matt Boss – Health and Movement
Reagan Campbell-Gillard – Policing
Tom Eisenhuth – Health Science
Fairouz Elkander – Nursing
Naya Freeman – Health and Science PDHPE
Tim Grant – Policing
Jordan Hall – Nursing
Andrew Hart – Health Science
Jackson Hill – Business and Commerce (property)
Josh Jay – Medical Science
Leilani Latue – Primary Education
Kierran Moseley – Social Studies
Matt Robinson – Commerce and Management
Andy Saunders – Health and Science PDHPE
Pat Schiller – Social Science
Chris Smith - Arts (Primary Teaching)
Josh Tangitau – Exercise Sports Science
Junior Wari – Engineering
Dallin Watene-Zelezniak – Health and Movement
Isaah Yeo – Education
A number of our players are also working their way through Traineeships or Apprenticeships. From the NRL squad, Sika Manu is doing a Tattoo Apprenticeship, Tom Humble is doing an Electrical Apprenticeship and Nathan Smith is doing and Electro Technology Apprenticeship. We couldn’t do this without the support of employers, who are willing to take our boys on, and work their hours around training.
And finally, a lot of players in our Under 20’s and NSW Cup squads are holding down full time or part time jobs, on top of their playing commitments.
The NRL and Panthers hope that by encouraging players to work or study throughout their rugby league career, it will set them up for a successful life after footy.
