The three-year deal – formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding – brings together the Championship outfit – recently ranked 15th by IMG with a score of 12.42 – and four-time NRL champions Penrith, alongside Women’s Super League Champions, York Valkyrie.
The aim is to enhance growth in youth development, commercial innovation, and international talent pathways for both men’s and women’s rugby league.
Panthers Rugby League CEO Matt Cameron expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership: “We are thrilled to collaborate with York RLFC.
This partnership will not only foster shared knowledge and resources but also strengthen our commitment to the growth of rugby league at all levels.
We are also excited about learning from York Valkyrie, the back-to-back Women’s Super League champions, as we strive to elevate the women’s game at Panthers.
“Their success serves as an inspiration, and we believe that by sharing strategies and insights, we can make an impact on the development of women’s rugby league.”
York RLFC Chairman Clint Goodchild revealed the deal had come about through work carried out over the past two years in building a relationship with the Panthers.
We have been fortunate enough to build a relationship with Matt Cameron and his amazing staff over the past two years,” said Goodchild.
“This has included two visits to the Panthers facilities and offices. I was humbled that Matt would take the time to give me a tour of their impressive operation. Upon doing so I could see why they have had so much success on and off the field.
“The people in the organisation couldn’t have been more generous with their time.
We’ve learned so much from those experiences and to now have a formal partnership in place, I am excited to continue that education and to openly share our vision, experiences, and knowledge.
“The mutual ground that helped bring the two clubs together was our shared philosophy around the importance of community.
“No club in the world has had more success in developing the sport at a youth and community level then Penrith. To have a blueprint on how that was achieved is exciting as we look to launch our Academy in the near future.”
