Australian rugby league player and coach who played for and coached several teams, including the Australian national team, and is known for his contributions to the sport's development.
David Penna is renowned for his impressive rugby league career, which spanned over a decade, playing for prominent teams like Parramatta Eels and South Sydney Rabbitohs, and subsequently, for his coaching prowess, currently serving as the assistant coach of the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs.
Penna's playing career began in 1990 when he made his debut for Parramatta Eels. Over the next four seasons, he played 22 games, often taking the field as a centre or five-eighth. In 1994, he joined the South Sydney Rabbitohs, where he played 56 games over four seasons, typically at centre or fullback.
One of the highlights of Penna's playing career was his involvement in Souths' upset victory over Brisbane in the 1994 Tooheys Challenge Cup final.
In 1998, Penna returned to Parramatta, where he played as a five-eighth before transitioning to the halfback position in 1999. Unfortunately, his playing career was cut short in 2000 when he was forced to retire due to a series of injuries, including two broken necks and six concussions in a single season.
Following his retirement from playing, Penna turned his focus to coaching. In 2009, he coached an Italian XIII, which marked the beginning of his coaching career. He subsequently coached the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles Toyota Cup Under-20s team.
In 2012, Penna was appointed as the assistant NRL coach for Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles, under the guidance of Geoff Toovey. This stint was followed by his appointment as the assistant coach to Des Hasler at the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs in 2016.
In November 2018, Penna took on a new challenge as the head coach of Canterbury's Jersey Flegg Cup side, further solidifying his reputation as a skilled and dedicated coach in the world of rugby league.
Throughout his career, David Penna has demonstrated his dedication, perseverance, and passion for the sport of rugby league. As he continues to coach and nurture young talent, his impact on the sport will undoubtedly be felt for years to come.
65 Years Old
Australian rugby league legend and coach, renowned for leading the national team to numerous World Cup titles and earning a reputation as one of the greatest players and coaches in the sport's history.
76 Years Old
A legendary rugby league coach and former player, known for his unparalleled success and innovative tactics that transformed the sport. He led several teams to championship titles and was inducted into the Australian Rugby League Hall of Fame.
59 Years Old
Australian rugby league legend and coach, known for his exceptional playing career and innovative coaching style that transformed the sport.
66 Years Old
Australian rugby league legend, known for his dominant playing career and iconic commentary style. He's a household name in Australian sports, particularly in rugby league circles.
43 Years Old
Australian rugby league legend and iconic halfback, known for his exceptional skills, clutch performances, and record-breaking career with the North Queensland Cowboys and Australian national team.
99 Years Old
A renowned defender who captained the English national team and won the 1966 World Cup, earning 84 caps and scoring 3 goals.
