Panthers Fans Urge Club to Re-Sign Former Star Bryce Cartwright After Release from Eels
Bryce Cartwright, a name that once sparked excitement among Penrith Panthers fans, has re-emerged in the NRL spotlight following his sudden release from the Parramatta Eels. The 30-year-old forward was granted an immediate exit from the club on Tuesday, prompting a wave of nostalgia and hope among Panthers supporters, many of whom are calling for his return.
The development unfolded after Parramatta announced that Cartwright would be departing the club to sign with the St Mary’s Saints— a team competing in the Ron Massey Cup, which serves as a second-tier reserve grade competition in New South Wales. While this might seem like a step down for a player once heralded as a future star, the move has potentially opened a new door: St Mary’s is a feeder club for the Penrith Panthers.
That connection has sparked renewed interest in Cartwright from Panthers fans who remember his early career fondly. Having started his rugby league journey with the St Mary’s Saints in the junior ranks, Cartwright made his NRL debut with Penrith in 2014. His return to the area has left many wondering if he might once again pull on the Panthers jersey, although it remains unclear if head coach Ivan Cleary sees him as a viable option for the first-grade squad, given Penrith’s current depth in the forward pack.
Veteran journalist Peter Lang captured the mood on social media, writing: “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?” The Jenkins reference points to another player who left Penrith for Newcastle, only to return and have a breakout season.
Cartwright’s career has seen its fair share of ups and downs. Once touted by NRL icon Phil Gould as a generational second-row talent, Cartwright never quite fulfilled the lofty expectations. After playing 69 games for the Panthers, he transferred to the Gold Coast Titans in 2018, before moving to the Eels in 2021.
Despite the hype, Cartwright struggled with form and consistency throughout much of his career. However, he enjoyed somewhat of a resurgence in 2024, playing his best football in recent years. That momentum didn’t carry over into 2025, as he failed to make a single first-grade appearance under new Eels coach Jason Ryles. With the changing of the guard at Parramatta, many established names, including Cartwright and former captain Clint Gutherson, have been moved on or sidelined to reserve grade.
Fans, nonetheless, haven’t forgotten Cartwright’s potential or his flair for the unexpected on the field. Social media was abuzz after news of his release broke, with many praising his skill and hoping a return to familiar territory could revive his career.
One user commented, “I’ve got no idea how he hasn’t been playing for Parra. He’s been our best edge back-rower the last two seasons. But Penrith do have quite a bit of depth on the edge.” Another wrote, “Disappointing that the new coach couldn’t get the best out of Carty. Very skillful and exciting player at his best.”
Still, not all feedback was uncritical. Some fans pointed out that Cartwright’s work ethic may have held him back over the years. “Bryce had and still has all the talent in the world. He does though lack one big thing. The need and want to work hard. Talent is meaningless without hard work,” a fan remarked on social media.
Despite such concerns, others took the opportunity to wish him well. “Saw him play two Sundays ago. He was best on the ground. Good luck to him,” one supporter said, indicating that Cartwright still has the ability to influence games at lower levels.
In his farewell statement, Cartwright expressed deep appreciation for his time at Parramatta, stating: “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. 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.”
Mark O’Neill, Parramatta’s general manager of football, echoed those sentiments. “Bryce is a wonderful person who has played some of his most consistent football with the Eels,” he said. “We wish him and his family all the best as he transitions to the next chapter of his life.”
Whether that chapter includes a sensational return to the NRL with Penrith remains to be seen. But with Cartwright now playing under the Panthers’ development umbrella at St Mary’s, the possibility—however slim—has not been ruled out. A comparison to Thomas Jenkins’ return from the wilderness is not far-fetched. If Cartwright can recapture his form and show commitment, the door to Panthers’ first grade may just crack open.
Until then, Cartwright’s journey serves as a reminder of both the potential and the unpredictability that defines rugby league careers. One thing is clear: fans haven’t given up on him just yet.
