04/09/2026
🖤💛 THANK YOU, JOHN WICKENDEN
After two incredible years at the helm, the Penrith Emus would like to sincerely thank John Wickenden for his commitment, leadership and contribution to our club.
From arriving at Penrith as a young player from New Zealand years ago to becoming an important part of our coaching leadership decades later, John has played a significant role in the Emus' return and resurgence.
John's coaching journey with the Emus has been a special one, beginning the club’s reset as Second Grade Assistant Coach, circumstances saw John step up into the Head Coach role.
John helped create the type of environment and culture the club needed as part of its reset. He earned the trust and respect of the playing group while helping develop players who understood the standards, commitment and attitude required to build the next chapter of the Emus. His contribution has helped establish the type of player and culture needed to perpetuate the goals of the reset and ensure the club continues to move forward.
From preseason in late 2024 through to the end of the 2026 season, John has been a constant presence around the club. His commitment to training, his players and the development of the team has helped establish foundations on which we can continue to build.
John's greatest legacy is that he leaves the Penrith Emus in a better place than he found them. That is an ideal we want for everyone who walks through the gates at Nepean Rugby Park, whether they are a player, coach, volunteer, administrator or supporter. Come to the Emus, contribute, grow, make a difference, and leave the club better than you found it.
John has certainly done that… along with some silverware!
As John moves on to challenge himself and take the next step in his coaching journey, he leaves with the club's full support and very best wishes. We are proud of what he has achieved at the Emus and look forward to watching his coaching career continue to develop.
John, thank you for everything you've given to the Penrith Emus.
🏉 WHAT'S NEXT?
The Emus are continuing to build.
The club will now begin its search for a new Head Coach for 2027, someone who shares our vision, values and ambition and can take the Penrith Emus into the next stage of our growth.
Be part of it!
https://sites.google.com/view/penrithemus/get-involved
🖤💛 Thank you, John. And good luck for the next chapter.
