Penrith Panthers to honour late foundation player Maurie Raper with black armbands

Penrith Panthers will wear black armbands during Friday night’s match against the Brisbane Broncos in honour of late foundation player Maurie Raper.

Raper was part of Penrith’s inaugural team in 1967 and will forever be remembered as Panther No. 10. A proud member of the club’s first generation, he played four seasons with the Panthers between 1967 and 1970 before finishing his rugby league career with the Cronulla Sharks.

The brother of rugby league legend John Raper, Maurie was a respected figure of the early Panthers era and played an important role in helping establish the club in its formative years.

Players will wear black armbands in Friday night’s season opener against the Broncos as a mark of respect and to honour his contribution to the club’s history.