Penrith Panthers Secure Legacy Talent with Signing of Nathan Hindmarsh’s Teenage Son
The Penrith Panthers have flexed their recruitment muscle, securing a significant victory off the field by signing 17-year-old rising star Buster Hindmarsh — son of Parramatta Eels legend Nathan Hindmarsh — to a two-year contract.
The deal cements another major win for the Panthers’ elite junior development system, which beat out fierce competition from rival NRL clubs to land the highly sought-after back-rower.
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Buster, who showcased his potential this season in the SG Ball competition with the North Sydney Bears, had drawn serious interest from multiple pathways, including the Bulldogs and a potential extension with the Bears. However, Penrith’s reputation for nurturing young talent proved decisive in swaying the Hindmarsh family.
Nathan Hindmarsh, a 330-game Eels icon and NSW Origin stalwart, praised the Panthers’ professionalism during negotiations, revealing the club’s state-of-the-art facilities and track record of success ultimately tipped the scales.
“Penrith invited us to tour their setup, and it was seriously impressive,” Nathan told Fox Sports. “The Bulldogs made a strong push too — their offer was very close — but Penrith’s history of developing kids sealed it. They’ve got this proven system where young players aren’t just trained but genuinely cared for.”
The decision marks a pivotal moment in Buster’s budding career, as he transitions from North Sydney’s under-19s squad into the Panthers’ renowned junior nursery — a pipeline that has produced modern NRL superstars like Nathan Cleary, Jarome Luai, and Dylan Edwards.
While the Bears hoped to retain the teen after his standout SG Ball campaign, Nathan emphasized that Penrith’s holistic approach to player development aligned best with Buster’s long-term goals.
“He loved his time at Norths, but this is about setting him up for the future,” Nathan added. “Penrith doesn’t just bring kids through — they turn them into professionals.”
The signing underscores the Panthers’ dominance in junior recruitment, reinforcing their status as the NRL’s premier talent factory. With Buster now set to join their ranks, Penrith continues to build toward sustaining their dynasty, one blue-chip prospect at a time.
