Pink Panthers: Penrith Set to Make History with Grand Final Kit
As the NRL grand final approaches, the Penrith Panthers are poised to make a striking statement with their unique pink kit. This marks the first time a pink jersey will be worn in a grand final, as the Panthers aim for their fourth consecutive premiership. Their opponents, the Melbourne Storm, who finished as minor premiers, will don their traditional blue and purple uniforms, necessitating Penrith’s switch to their alternate strip.
The decision to wear pink comes with historical significance for the club. Although Penrith has traditionally sported white for uniform clashes, the introduction of pink as a secondary color in 2014 has evolved into a beloved aspect of their identity. The Panthers embraced this vibrant hue even further in 2021, reflecting their commitment to engaging with their audience.
Ryan Ellul, a former NRL marketing executive now running Sport Design Australia, emphasized the importance of responding to fan preferences. He noted that the Panthers recognized their audience’s affinity for the pink jerseys and chose to embrace it rather than shy away. “It’s about understanding what your audience wants,” he stated.
The rise of pink in rugby league can be attributed to the Women in League Round, introduced in 2006, which has encouraged clubs to incorporate pink into their uniforms for the event. The Panthers have stood out by fully committing to this color. In 2009, they famously wore all-pink kits against Manly to support cancer awareness initiatives and local charities.
Shaun Mielekamp, who has a background in marketing, played a significant role in revitalizing the Panthers’ brand. He recalled how the club’s colors have varied throughout its history, including shades like teal and “rust.” During his time, he collaborated with Frank Puletua, an artist and Panthers player, to propose a pink uniform. Despite an initial heavy loss in their debut, the idea gained traction, ultimately leading to widespread acceptance.
While the first all-pink match resulted in disappointment, the team’s merchandise sales skyrocketed. This response underscored the potential of the pink jerseys to resonate with fans and support charitable causes. The following year, the Panthers bounced back with a victory, further solidifying the pink kit’s place in club history.
In 2014, the NRL designated purple as the official color for Women in League, but the Panthers opted to continue using pink in their away kit, which proved to be a significant move. The addition of black shorts helped create a cohesive and appealing look that fans embraced.
Mielekamp noted that this innovative approach helped to instill confidence among players and supporters. The combination of black and pink became a distinctive part of the Panthers’ identity, demonstrating that the club was unafraid to stand out.
As the grand final approaches, the Panthers are ready to embrace their pink identity and make a statement on the biggest stage in rugby league. This historical choice not only highlights their commitment to tradition but also reflects a deeper connection to the community and causes they support. The excitement surrounding the grand final promises to bring a new dimension to the event, showcasing the evolution of rugby league culture.
