From Blackwater to one of the NRL’s powerhouse clubs, Camden Hope’s rugby league journey has been anything but straightforward.
Still just 19, Camden has earned a contract with the Penrith Panthers, with a move to Sydney locked in for June to join the club’s Jersey Flegg under 21s squad.
“I got a call from my manager telling me a couple of clubs were interested and Panthers was one of them. When I found out they had offered me until the end of 2028 I was so happy and overwhelmed. It means so much to me that such a prestigious club that has a lot of talent in their backyard has picked a young fella from North Queensland to join their ranks.”
Camden started his Rugby League career back in under 9’s when he was just 8 years old at the Blackwater Crushers, then spent most of his junior rugby league at the Moranbah Miners. Like many Central Queensland players, his pathway took him to Mackay, but injury limited him early.
“Due to a rough couple of years and injuries, my pathway with the Cutters and Cowboys have been tough but very rewarding.”
In 2023, he captained the Cyril Connell Cutters side and claimed Best Forward before knee issues led to surgery and time on the sidelines.
“In just a year I had gone from the main voice in the team to the quiet rehab kid which made me lose a lot of confidence within the group.”
He returned, only to suffer another setback soon after.
“In the last tackle of a game I had a head clash with my own teammate and fractured my sinus area above my eye. I was told I would have another three months off contact.
“Like before I stayed disciplined and did all the right things to make sure I would get back to the field.”
That approach carried into a demanding Young Guns pre season with the Cowboys.
“The training schedule was intense, early mornings, late nights, day in day out, but I came out the other side the fittest I have ever been.”
He worked his way into the Cutters under 19s side and stepped up into A-grade with the Mackay Magpies where he had the opportunity to play against ex NRL stars and finished the club season winning the Steve Jackson Colt of the Year award.
After missing out on a Cowboys contract renewal, he returned to the Cutters in 2026 as Vice Captain, helping guide the side into second place heading into finals. Now, the move to Penrith marks the next step.
“Being just 19 joining the under 21’s Penrith Panthers team is massive. It is a huge chance for me to grow even more as a player and as a man outside of the game.
“I’m looking forward to meeting new teammates and coaches and learning more about what the club is about. I’m also looking forward to training with the NRL squad for pre-season, it’s going to be tough but I’m definitely up for the challenge.
“I’m taking a lot of experience and learnings with me – every coach I have had since my junior years have taught me something. The Mackay Cutters and North Queensland Cowboys have both played a huge part, and without the support from my friends and family I couldn’t have made it as far as I have.
“My first goal is to earn my spot in the team and to earn the respect and trust from my teammates and coach. I want to cement my spot, progress through the 21’s into NSW Cup and of course make my NRL debut.”
