Abbie Grant, a proud local from Murringo NSW, has been named vice captain of the Penrith Panthers women’s team for their inaugural season.

She began her rugby league journey playing in the under-6s with a local Woodbridge Cup team made up of players from towns like Gregadoo and Young.

“I originally started playing league for Woodbridge Cup — just a small local team — and I was only about six,” Abbie said.

She then moved on to represent the Harden Hawks, playing in both league tag and tackle for their women’s side.

“I played both league tag and tackle for Harden, and I really loved being part of that club,” she said.

Her talent led her to trial for the Canberra Raiders’ Tarsha Gale Cup team, where she played a season.

“From that I was picked up by management, who sent me to Sydney to trial for the Canterbury Bulldogs,” she said.

Abbie played with the Bulldogs in the Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership last year.

“I didn’t have a great season there — I didn’t play many games — but I was seen playing there by my now coach at Penrith,” she said.

That opportunity opened the door to something big.

“They offered me a really good contract, and I decided to make the move to Penrith,” she said.

“Especially because it was their inaugural team — that was a big pulling factor for me.”

Since late last year, Abbie has been training with the Panthers and quickly earned her place as vice captain.

“Yeah, one thing led to another — and now I’m vice captain,” she said.

Ahead of their round one match against the Central Coast Roosters, Abbie said the team was feeling confident.

“I’m really excited going into round one this weekend,” she said.

“We’ve got a really, really talented team full of girls from all over the place who’ve all been handpicked.”

“It’s just really exciting to be part of it.”

Abbie also took time to thank the coaches who helped her get to where she is today.

“My first coach Gary Hewen— everyone called him ‘Nails’ — definitely played a massive part,” she said.

“I was scared to play league at first, but he really encouraged me.”

She also credited her Harden coach Jason Pollard.

“Jason was just always really supportive of me and stuff like that,” she said.

Locals across Murringo, Harden and Woodbridge Cup country were cheering for Abbie as she took to the field in Panthers colours on Sunday.

Their support was rewarded with a 22–14 win, as the inaugural Panthers Women’s team claimed victory over the Central Coast Roosters in Round 1 of the 2025 NSW Women’s Premiership.

It was a strong start to the season for the new-look Panthers side.