The Pink Panther

By Toby Longhurst

Traditionally rugby league has been synonymous with a culture of beefy blokes, beer and babes; especially in Sydney's western suburbs. But all of that is being turned upside down with the announcement by NRL club, the Penrith Panthers, that their newest recruit for the season ahead is none other than a 19 year old, openly gay male cheerleader.

Aaron Neich grew up playing football and going to Penrith Panthers home games, but it is through his love of dance that he will be able to provide his greatest support for the club. After being encouraged by a friend on the cheer squad to come along to an audition, Aaron impressed the cheer coordinators so much that they offered his a place as the only male cheerleader in the Panther's squad.

Rather than matching the pink outfits worn by the girls, Panther's officials plan to give Aaron a “butched up” look, wearing black cargo pants and a pink singlet to entertain the fans at home games.

Already nicknamed by the media as 'The Pink Panther', Aaron told QNews that he is excited about performing for the Panther's fans and was not worried about any negative reactions he may receive from certain parts of the crowd.

“To be honest, I'm not really concerned, I know that I will get some comments from the crowd, but I just don't care because I know that I am gay, so it's just like me calling straight people 'straight'.”

The Panthers will be hoping that a change in the cheers squad might just be the trick they were looking for with the club coming 12th on the ladder last season and claiming the wooden spoon for coming last in 2007.