On This Day: Pitch invader of a different kind interrupts Panthers game
While pitch invaders these days are either highly intoxicated or environmental activists, few could have anticipated what unfolded in Penrith that night.
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The 2016 season wasn't what you'd call a disappointment for the Penrith Panthers, finishing in 6th place and making the semi-finals before ultimately falling short in their premiership quest.
But while specific on-field moments may be difficult to recall, there was one iconic moment that occurred in a mid-season contest that won't be forgotten by anyone who was at the ground to witness it - or those who caught it on TV. While pitch invaders these days are either highly intoxicated or environmental activists, few could have anticipated what unfolded in Penrith that night.
In the Round 18 clash against an in-form Cronulla side on July 10, the Panthers found themselves trailing by just two points early in the second half before a black cat of unknown Origin caught the eyes of spectators and commentators alike as it tore down the right-hand touchline, eventually squeezing under a fence and vanishing into the crowd and beyond.
We all know what they say about black cats crossing paths, and it won't come as a surprise to anyone remotely superstitious that the Panthers conceded the next four tries, all on the same side the cat had sprinted down - and one came from a seemingly inexplicable error as well (did someone say curse?).
The Panthers went on to lose 26-10. The Sharks went on to win their first ever premiership.
One day later, amid a swarm of inquiries about the welfare of the animal, the Panthers had to release a statement.
"We understand the feline is a friendly stray who has been spotted around Pepper (nee BlueBet) Stadium over the last few years - although never before on the field during an NRL game!
"While we have been unable to locate the black cat following its shock NRL debut, spectators who witnessed our furry friend dashing out of precinct reported it looked 'inspired' by its brief taste of stardom."
The club then went on to run a naming competition for the unforgettable feline, with a crowd vote deciding on the title of 'Ryan Purrdler' - a distinct homage to a club legend. Other names included Craig Meower, Rhys Whiskers, Scott Scratchler and more. They even managed to create merchandise featuring the famous pitch invader.
