The Penrith Panthers, one of the most successful rugby league teams in Australia, are known for their distinctive logo, which has undergone five major modifications since its inception. Despite these changes, the core symbol—the aggressive panther—has remained consistent, symbolizing the team’s strength and determination.

Meaning and History of Penrith Panthers Logo

The Penrith Panthers were established in 1966 and joined the New South Wales Rugby League competition in 1967. Over the years, the club's logo has evolved, but the panther—often depicted in a fierce and dynamic manner—has remained a central part of the team’s identity.

Penrith Panthers Logo Evolution

1967 – 1977

The original 1967 logo featured a stylized panther leaping through a large red “P,” placed within an elliptical frame. The team name, “Penrith Panthers,” was arranged around the ellipse, creating a balanced and compact design.

1978

In 1978, the logo was updated to depict a more daring and feisty panther. The black panther, with blue highlights, was placed in a round frame, with its legs and tail extending beyond the border, symbolizing the idea that nothing could restrain or contain the team’s power. The design featured a brown and muted orange color palette, with the team name in a black, sans-serif font above and below the panther.

1979 – 1990

The 1979 logo refined the panther’s design. It became leaner and more aggressive, with sharp teeth and a menacing look. The panther, now facing almost forward, appeared ready to attack, unlike the earlier version where the panther looked like it was running away. The color scheme was adjusted to two shades of blue for the panther and brown for the ring surrounding it.

1991 – 1999

In 1991, the design remained similar to the previous one, but with a notable change in the color palette. For the first time, bright rings were incorporated around the panther, becoming a signature element of the logo.

2000 – 2013

The 2000 logo marked a significant departure, with a more minimalist design focusing solely on the panther’s muzzle. The panther’s mouth was open, showing sharp fangs, and its eyes were bright yellow. The color scheme for the muzzle combined black and purple with red and teal outlines.

2014 – 2018

In 2014, the club returned to the leaping panther, but this time, the logo was completely redrawn. The panther was facing forward with its head held higher than before, emphasizing its readiness for action.

2019 – Today

In 2018, the Penrith Panthers unveiled an updated logo, which maintained the same panther shape and typeface, but with a new color scheme. The team returned to the “liquorice allsorts” colors, a throwback to the iconic red, yellow, and green stripes that were synonymous with the team during the 1990s. The updated logo incorporated black and white along with these colors to create a fresh and modern look.

Colors

Over the years, the Penrith Panthers have shifted their color scheme. While the team used teal for nearly 20 years, they returned to their traditional red, yellow, and green palette in the 2017 season, bringing back a nostalgic connection to the 1990s. The updated 2018 logo incorporates this combination alongside black and white.