NRL makes impact in Dubbo with strong crowd at Panthers versus Rabbitohs

Dubbo's Christie Facey and Michelle O'Neill were among the 10,824-strong crowd - the biggest for a country venue hosting the NRL in 2021 - to witness the South Sydney and Penrith NRL match on Sunday at Apex Oval.

Both women feel it is a massive event for the town and expressed their delight with the match.

"It's been fantastic coming to the country," Ms Facey said.

"It sure is, because I haven't seen Matt Burton play since he was in the under 16s grand final for St Johns and it's really exciting to see him play again," Ms O'Neill added.

Ms O'Neill happens to be the great aunt of Penrith star and Dubbo junior Burton and feels the connection with the Panthers and the town runs deep.

"I know all the Yeos as well it's like one big family from the CYMS people and St John's and of course Mick Wilson who passed away a couple of weeks ago was Isaah's (Yeo) great uncle," she said.

Like Burton, both women hope the match will encourage more Dubbo juniors to consider a potential path to the NRL.

"It's great just great to see them come to the country and promote it more and gives the young kids the chance to see how good they can do if they put the effort in," Ms O'Neill said.

Ms O'Neill also admitted she was a South Sydney fan but her family connections influenced her to support the Panthers when the two sides meet.

"When they play I go for them as long they don't play Penrith," she said.

This may be Burton's first and only game as a Panther in Dubbo after signing to play for the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs next season and Ms O'Neill understands why the decision was made.

"It's a shame but you got to follow your dream," she said.

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