Beau Ryan and Chris Heighington nearly joined Penrith Panthers in 2012
Zero Tackle NRL • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 22, 2026, 2:33 AM
Last updated Sep 22, 2026
Beau Ryan and Chris Heighington, former Wests Tigers players, were close to signing with the Penrith Panthers ahead of the 2012 NRL season. Both players were informed they were free to leave after the Tigers exceeded the salary cap with the signing of Adam Blair. After initial discussions with the Panthers, the pair stayed with the Tigers for the 2011 season when roster changes freed up cap space. Ryan and Heighington ultimately played one more season with the Tigers before moving to the Sharks. Ryan retired in 2014, while Heighington had a notable career, including winning the 2016 NRL premiership with the Sharks.
- •Ryan and Heighington were part of five players told they could leave.
- •They initially agreed to terms with Penrith but remained with the Tigers.
- •Ryan retired in 2014; Heighington played until 2018.
- •Wests Tigers have gone through seven head coaches since 2011.
- •The team has not made playoffs since being eliminated in 2011.
- 2:33 AMZero Tackle NRL — How two Wests Tigers almost joined Penrith Panthers in 2012
"The duo both left the Sharks a year later.
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