For the first time in 20 years, the Gilgandra Panthers will not be making an appearance in the Castlereagh League this season.

Panthers President Shane Byrne said player numbers at training were not up to scratch this season. 

"We put the call out for players for months and months but only got six. We can't run a side with six people." 

With only a quarter of the minimum number of players, there was no way out but to cancel the first and reserve grade team this year. 

"It was a very difficult decision but it just had to be made," Mr Byrne said. 

Many of the players from last year only wanted to play in a reserve grade Mr Byrne said but to preserve the integrity of the game, the decision was made to not field a first or reserve grade team. 

"First grade competition is what you're meant to play. That's the way it's been for 130 years and that's the way it should remain. 

"You don’t strive to be a reserve grade team, you strive to be in the first grade." 

In 2005, when Byrne first started playing for the Panthers, the club had to drop out of the Castlereagh League team as well. 

However, in subsequent years they managed to recuperate and went on to the grand finals for seven straight years from 2015 to 2022, winning straight premierships from 2016 to 2018. 

"The following year, we formed again. We didn't win a game but everyone stuck together and about three years later, we were making grand finals," Mr Byrne said.

The Pink Panthers on the other hand are off to a good start this season. Many players are still in their mid-teens but have already won their first game. 

"They're pretty happy with that. They’re going pretty good," Mr Byrne said. 

The Panthers are looking forward to rebuilding their numbers and coming back bigger and stronger for the 2026 season.