Sydney weather won't impact season opener says Panthers CEO

Sydney has been lashed with extreme weather over the past week as areas in the city’s west and north shore experienced over 200mm of rainfall on Tuesday.

The Bureau of Meteorology has predicted additional rain for the Hawkesbury and Nepean Rivers which has sparked fears that the NRL season opener between the Penrith Panthers and Manly Sea Eagles may be impacted.

Thankfully, Panthers CEO Brian Fletcher has reassured fans that BlueBet Stadium will be ready to go for Thursday Night.

“Things aren’t that bright at the moment as we are receiving heavy rain,” Fletcher said on SEN 1170 Afternoons.

“We’ve probably got one of the best drainage of grounds in New South Wales.

“We’ve got no problems with Thursday night’s game against Manly.

“The surface will be good, and it doesn’t hold any excess water.

“(The game) is not in any danger at all.”

Whilst there is no threat to the match going ahead, Fletcher says he is somewhat concerned about fans bracing the inclement weather.

BlueBet Stadium regularly had crowds over 16,000 people with the Panthers expecting a larger attendance as Penrith have not played a match at the venue since June 2021.

Fletcher has revealed that there are still several thousand tickets still available for the blockbuster match.

“At this point, the ticket sales are okay,” Fletcher said.

“We’ll have between 12,000 to 18,000 people.

“I’m sure all our members will turn up.

“Hopefully we can get some fine weather on Thursday so that people can attend the game.”

Penrith will be without star halfback Nathan Cleary who is recovering from off-season shoulder surgery.

The season opener kicks off at 8:05pm (AEDT) on Thursday night.