It was a news article that made some Panthers’ fans blood boil, last week reports suggested former Penrith prodigal son – Brad Fittler was back in town and could be involved in some official form with the club.
Fittler has been working out west at the NSW Rugby Leagues Western Sydney Academy, the young group share some facilities at Penrith Park.
But while working with upcoming talent at the Western Sydney Academy, Fittler has on several occasions caught up with current Panthers coach Matt Elliott for coffee and a chat.
There was suggestion that Elliott could bring Fittler into the NRL fold as a skills and halves coach for 2010.
But would the involvement of Fittler be welcomed by fans?
After being shown the door by the Roosters after a short stint at the helm, is it fair that Freddy trots back out to Penrith with cap in hand?
When you speak to Panthers fans, what makes them angry is not so much that Fittler left the fold to link up with the Roosters – but it was his actions and comments about his new club that made them hopping mad.
When the Panthers had a ceremony to announce their best team of all time, of which Fittler was named – the former pivot didn’t accept the invitation to turn up and celebrate his role in the best side since 1967.
There was a bit of fuss kicked up about Freddy not attending, but Fittler rubbed more salt into the wounds suggesting he was a Rooster for life and hasn’t looked back since settling into the Bondi den.
But as with everything in NRL and Rugby League, things change quickly.
Freddy found himself out in the cold after Bondi hung him out to dry –
Should he be welcomed back with open arms at Penrith? Certainly the involvement of Fittler would help develop the current rookie halves pairing.
But would it cost the Panthers fans at the turnstiles? The Penrith faithful are diehard, loyal supporters – but when loyalty isn’t shown back, they might just walk away.