With the 2021 NRL season now underway, Panthers can provide the following update for members who took the pledge in 2020.
In an incredible gesture of support, more than 2000 Panthers members committed their full membership fees to the club despite being locked out of games last season.
While all NRL clubs gave their members the opportunity to pledge their membership in 2020, there was a wide variety of incentives offered for those who did.
Some clubs provided no acknowledgment at all. Others opted for listing names on a one-off jersey. Panthers, however, felt strongly that members who took the pledge deserved a more significant and timeless recognition to ensure they became part of the club's history.
The Members Roll of Honour will be a permanent installation at the Panthers Rugby League Academy, flanked by the Players Roll of Honour and two premiership trophies. This prestigious location is indicative of the importance of the Members Roll of Honour to the club.
THE DRAFT LIST
Those who attended the club's first home game last weekend will have seen the 'draft list' of the Members Roll of Honour. It is installed on the side of the merchandise shed in the western precinct at Panthers Stadium and will remain there until the completion of the Round 7 home game against Newcastle Knights on Thursday 22 April.
Its purpose in that time is to give members who took the pledge the opportunity to check for any errors in their names before the installation of the permanent Members Roll of Honour. The 'draft list' will also be uploaded to the Panthers website before Thursday 22 April, so members who are unable to attend Panthers Stadium can also check their names. The 'draft list' will be promoted through the club's social media channels once it is available to review online.
Members who have identified issues with the 'draft list' are asked to please email their corrections to footy.membership@panthers.com.au before Thursday 22 April.
CONSTRUCTION AND UNVEILING
The construction of the Members Roll of Honour at the Panthers Rugby League Academy will begin immediately following Thursday 22 April.
At this stage the club is planning for an exclusive event to launch the Members Roll of Honour in May 2021, with all members who took the pledge to receive an invitation.
While it's hoped the Panthers players and staff will be able to attend the event and mingle with the members, their involvement will be subject to the NRL COVID-19 protocols and any government restrictions at the time.
The club wishes to extend its thanks to the pledged members for their patience and understanding through this process, to ensure the Members Roll of Honour takes its rightful place in Panthers history.
