The Panthers are proud to unveil their 2026 Special Event Jersey, a replica of the iconic 1978 jersey worn by the late Panthers great John Farragher OAM in his final game for the club.
The design honours Farragher’s enduring legacy, proudly displaying his name and Panther number on the chest.
The Panthers team will wear this jersey in Round 27 during the club’s final home game at CommBank Stadium. The club will invite all former players to the game as part of the 60th season celebrations for the clash against Wests Tigers on Sunday 6 September.
PRE-ORDER: 2026 Special Event Jersey from the Panther Shop
The story of the John Farragher-inspired Special Event Jersey
John Farragher's Legacy
Born in Gilgandra, Farragher's journey with the Panthers began on the field, where he played as a powerful prop forward. Just seven games into his first grade career, Farragher suffered a life-changing spinal injury when a scrum collapsed during a match against Newtown at Henson Park in 1978. He was just 21 years old.
His resilience became an enduring part of Panthers history. In 1979, the club established the John Farragher Award for Courage and Determination in his honour. Presented annually, the award recognises the player who best exemplifies bravery, resilience and inner strength.
Following years of rehabilitation, Farragher returned to Panthers in 1982 in a public relations role at Panthers Penrith Leagues Club, where he became one of the club’s most beloved figures for more than four decades. He was awarded an OAM in 2016 for his outstanding service to the community and was elected to the Panthers Board in 2022.
Farragher sadly passed away on 2 November, 2025, but his impact on the Panthers community continues to be felt throughout the club. The true legacy John left behind was evident as thousands of people attended the public Celebration of Life event held for John at Panthers Penrith on 27 November, 2025.
A 2026 Panthers Legends inductee, Farragher was immortalised alongside 24 other players and administrators as a Panthers Legend, cementing his legacy and service to the club.
This Special Event Jersey honours John Farragher’s lifelong impact on the Panthers community, a beloved figure whose strength, humility and dedication to the club will never be forgotten.
John’s passion for the club, former players and the community was unmatched. To honour John’s legacy all former Panthers first grade players will be offered a replica tee to wear to the Round 27 game.
The Farragher family is synonymous with the Panthers. John's father Noel, who recently passed away also worked for the Panthers Group for a number of years before moving back to Gilgandra.
To order your 2026 Special Event Jersey click here.
Special Event Jersey pre-orders are now open via the Panther Shop and close on Sunday 31 May.
Stock delivery is expected to land at the Panther Shop in the week commencing Monday 24 August.
