Chad and Catherine, South Penrith, 2020

These photographs were taken in 2020 by Sydney-based artist and photojournalist, Lyndal Irons. Lyndal’s approach to photography often involves spending time with her subjects, to uncover the emotional core of their lives, particularly in relationship to their immediate surrounds.

On the eve of the Panthers first grand final since 2003, Penrith Regional Gallery invited Lyndal to develop a series of photographic portraits that would capture the essence and experience of Panthers fandom, specifically in a year where COVID-19 lockdowns and restrictions meant that most NRL games were played without any spectators in the crowd.

It meant that gestures and acts of fandom, often who can be the most visible and most vocal, gave way to quieter moments of support. Outside The Stadium celebrate the vast and varied forms of how Panthers celebrated this historic moment, in public parks, their homes, pubs and clubs, even at the gym. Lyndal’s approach allows us to see how the success of the NRL team is not contained to a football stadium, but rather extends beyond, touching any and all aspects of daily life in Penrith.