Latest news with #BryceCartwright
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Panthers fans call for return of former player after immediate exit from Eels
Panthers fans are calling on the club to take a punt on veteran forward Bryce Cartwright after the 30-year-old was granted an immediate release from Parramatta on Tuesday. And the door could be ajar because Cartwright is returning to a club in the Penrith pathways system. The Eels announced on Tuesday that Cartwright had been granted an immediate release to take up an opportunity with the St Mary's Saints. St Mary's play in the Ron Massey Cup - the second tier of reserve grade in NSW. The Saints are actually a feeder club for the Panthers, meaning Cartwright is technically now back in the Penrith system. Whether or not the Panthers view him as a viable option at NRL level remains to be seen, but it seems unlikely considering their depth in the forwards is pretty strong. Nevertheless, fans were quick to call on the club to take a punt on Cartwright - especially in light of the fact he's back playing in the Penrith area where he began. Penrith-based journalist Peter Lang wrote on social media on Tuesday: "I can see a lot of Panthers supporters becoming nostalgic and hoping he ends up in a Penrith jersey again just like Thomas Jenkins. Could lightning strike twice?" Lang was referencing the fact Jenkins was on the outer at the Panthers and looked for greener pastures at Newcastle, before returning to Penrith this year and enjoying the best year of his career. Cartwright played his junior footy for St Mary's before making his NRL debut with the Panthers in 2014. Phil Gould famously declared Cartwright would be one of the best second-rowers the game has ever seen, but he's never lived up to the hype. He played 69 games for the Panthers before moving to the Gold Coast in 2018, and then landed at Parramatta in 2021. He had a bounce-back year in 2024, but hadn't played any first-grade under new coach Jason Ryles in 2025. Panthers fans are hoping a return to the Penrith area can be the tonic that gets Cartwright back to his best, but it's more likely his career at NRL level is over. 'I'm really thankful to the Eels for the opportunity to be part of this club, it always felt like a home away from home,' Cartwright said on Tuesday. 'I'm leaving with positive memories, lifelong mates and gratitude for everyone's support, especially the passionate fans who have always shown me love. While I've loved my time at Parramatta, this decision is about making the best choice for my family and our future.' Parramatta's general manager of football Mark O'Neill described Cartwright as a 'wonderful person' and wished him well. 'He has played some of his most consistent football with the Eels, and we wish him and his family all the best as he transitions to the next chapter of his life,' O'Neill said. RELATED: NRL fans react after Broncos sign forward from Melbourne Storm Fresh calls for NRL competition to be suspended as Panthers dudded Cartwright's departure continues a roster overhaul from rookie coach Ryles. Former captain Clint Gutherson was released to the Dragons in the off-season, while experienced forwards like Cartwright and Ryan Matterson have spent the majority of the season in reserve grade. Signing with St Marys Ron MasseynCup means he could easily do a Tom Jenkins….. — Ross Martin (@RossMartin1960) June 17, 2025 I got no idea how he hasn't been playing for parra had been our best edge back rower the last 2 seasons but Penrith do have quite a bit of depth on a edge — Bgal1986 (@Bgal1486) June 17, 2025 Bryce had and still has all the talent in the world. He does though lack one big thing. The need and want to work hard. Talent is meaningless without hard work. — Jennifer 🏆 🏆 🏆🏆🐾🐾 (@JenniferSh93445) June 17, 2025 Disappointing that the new coach couldn't get the best out of Carty . Very skillful and exciting player at his best. Onwards and upward. Best wishes for the future — Olly Rooster (@OswaldRooster) June 17, 2025 Saw him play two Sundays ago. He was best on the ground. Good luck to him.👍 — DrJules (@DrJules1968) June 17, 2025
News.com.au
4 days ago
- Sport
- News.com.au
Parramatta have granted Bryce Cartwright an immediate release to join his former club
Bryce Cartwright is heading back to where it all began with the veteran forward leaving Parramatta immediately to link up with the St Mary's Saints. The move could draw a curtain on the 185 game NRL career of Cartwright who played for Penrith, Gold Coast and finally the Eels. Cartwright, 30, played juniors for St Mary's before being signed by the Panthers and his departure continue the list overhaul at Parramatta being conducted by first-year coach Jason Ryles. 'I'm really thankful to the Eels for the opportunity to be part of this club, it always felt like a home away from home,' Cartwright said. 'I'm leaving with positive memories, lifelong mates and gratitude for everyone's support, especially the passionate fans who have always shown me love. 'While I've loved my time at Parramatta, this decision is about making the best choice for my family and our future.' Parramatta general manager of football, Mark O'Neill said Cartwright, who hasn't played an NRL game in 2025 despite the battles for the ..-placed Eels, was a 'wonderful person' and wished him well. 'He has played some of his most consistent football with the Eels, and we wish him and his family all the best as he transitions to the next chapter of his life,' O'Neill said. Cartwright move from the Titans to Parramatta in 2021, where he has made 73 first grade appearances, including 44 in 2023 and 2024. But he's been out of favour with Ryles and a career that's been plagued with injuries and the odd off-field issues is now over.
