tommytomlin said:
Keeping in mind I was at the ripe old age of 11 when the 'war' started and therefore wasn't a big Rugby League traditionalist, I just didn't believe in the Super League idea. My dad being a Bears fan might have had something to do with that.
I don't think a single club is bigger than the game, and I believed (and still do) that Penrith were damaging the game by deserting to Super League. And my favourite Panther leaving for Easts turned me in their direction.
I guess if you were only 11 that's fair enough.
I was 22 when the war started. I was just as much against the Super League concept as you were and I was praying and hoping that Penrith would see sense and stick with the A.R.L. Unfortunately it wasn't to be though. I was angry with the clubs decision to jump on the Super League bandwagon, but not angry enough to follow a different club alltogether. I've lived in Penrith for 21, almost 22 years and I've been supporting the Panthers almost as long. To follow another club, for me, would be like cutting off an arm, regardless of Penrith's allegiances. I'm of the opinion that when you start supporting a Rugby League team or any team for that matter, you stick with them through the good and the bad. Granted I'm not criticising your decision as you obviously had your reasons and were young at the time.
Needless to say, even though I still went to games and cheered the boys on during that controversial year I absolutely refused to buy the Penrith Super League Jersey - It was revolting! Not buying the Super League jersey was also my little form of protest against the clubs decision.
Pantherjim.
