- Shocking decision has saddened many
Eleven Penrith Panthers cheerleaders have been controversially axed from their positions following a change in management.
Veteran members of the Pantherettes cheerleading squad have been told their services will no longer be required under the huge squad overhaul.
The group previously boasted a long-standing relationship with Westside Performing Arts in Penrith.
But now the Panthers have reportedly handed over management of the squad to a new company that is not from the local area.
Every dancer in the Pantherettes squad was asked to re-audition this year, regardless of how long they had held their spots.
Several veterans have since not been retained, with some now speaking out on social media to reveal their sadness at the decision.
Abby Bennett (pictured) has spoken out after losing her job as a Pantherettes cheerleader
The 25-year-old (pictured middle) was part of the Pantherettes squad for eight years
Bennett (pictured) was one of 11 Penrith cheerleaders to be axed as the squad undergoes a major overhaul
‘I was really hoping [to reach] 10 years,’ axed long-time cheerleader Abby Bennett said on TikTok after being part of the group for eight years.
‘This has been a huge part of my life since I was 17.
‘I have met so many of my best friends through the Panthers.’
Former Pantherette Nat Hanrahan also voiced her disappointment over the news about the squad.
‘I am saddened by both the direction the Panthers cheersquad has gone in this year and the connecting treatment of some of the long serving Pantherettes who did an amazing job during the golden era in the club’s history,’ she wrote on X.
‘Questionable decisions all round here.’
The new-look Pantherettes will next take to the field when Penrith faces Parramatta at CommBank Stadium on Saturday.
