Current and former cheerleaders are speaking out in condemnation of the decision to axe 11 veteran members of Penrith‘s ‘Pantherettes’ squad for the 2026 season. The Western Weekender reported this week that multiple long-time members of the Panthers cheerleaders have lost their jobs after a change in the management company that runs and selects the squad.
After a long association with Westside Performing Arts in Penrith, the Panthers have reportedly handed over the management of the ‘Patherettes’ to a new company this year – one that isn’t from the local area. The change has resulted in an overhaul of the squad and seen nearly a dozen ‘veterans’ sensationally axed.
Abby Bennett and Chloe Carter (L) are two of the Pantherettes who lost their spots. Image: Abby Bennett/Getty
All the dancers were asked to re-audition this year, regardless of how long they’d held their spots. That’s fairly common practice in the cheerleading world, but it’s highly uncommon for veterans not to be retained if they want to keep dancing.
According to The Western Weekender, only a handful of members from the previous squad were retained. “A number of girls who missed out have built strong reputations within the club, were great advocates for the Panthers and passionate fans of the team – as well as great dancers,” the report states. “Those veterans who did not make the cut have handled it with dignity – which must be applauded.”
Panthers cheerleaders perform before an NRL game in 2024.
(Getty Images)Former Panthers cheerleader speaks out after being cut
One of the dancers who was cut – Abby Bennett – has taken to social media in recent days to thank those who’ve come out in support of the axed members. One of the veterans not retained was the ‘Pantherette of the Year’ last season – Chloe Carter – while Bennett had been part of the squad for eight years.
“I was really hoping for 10 years,” Bennett said in a TikTok video. “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. I want this to be proof that you can get knocked down and bad things can happen…and you can get through it.”
Nat Hanrahan, a former member of the squad, wrote on X: “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. Questionable decisions all round here.”
Madison Morris, who has worked with two different NRL teams as a cheerleader, said it’s “unheard of” for so many veterans to be dumped. “Veterans don’t get cut, let alone 11 of them,” she said in a TikTok video.
“One of the biggest things about being an NRL cheerleader is the loyalty. Veterans don’t get cut, they’re always there unless they choose to move on. It is truly heartbreaking. Cutting a veteran – let alone someone who’s been there for eight years – it makes me so angry.”
The Panthers told Yahoo Sport Australia they’d like to thank all participants for their involvement in the audition process and acknowledge the commitment former ‘Pantherettes’ members.