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 plays 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 the 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.
Could Bryce Cartwright end up back in Penrith colors?
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 the 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.
