The term “Footy Five” was coined by Ron Mulock to describe a group of five directors who, during this period, generally adopted a shared position on a range of issues affecting the Panthers organisation.
Despite the name, the distinction between this group and the other directors was not based on differing levels of commitment to rugby league. Both groups were strongly invested in the future of football in Penrith.
The difference lay more in approach than in objective. One group tended toward a more fixed position on key issues, while the other favoured a more flexible approach in responding to changing circumstances.
The most significant point of divergence related not to football itself, but to broader questions of governance — particularly amalgamation and the future structure of the Panthers organisation.
As the Footy Five is referenced throughout the narrative, it is useful to identify the individuals within the group:
- Geoff James: Private Enquiry Agent.
- John Bateman OAM: Local solicitor. Mayor of Penrith (1998-2000)
- Greg Evans: Owner of the Western Weekender, a local newspaper also prominent in the narrative.
- Craig Terry: Financial controller at Liquorland.
- Denis Coffey: Owner of successful engineering company. Ex-player.
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Panthers, Passion & Politics - The Roger Cowan Years 