John Singleton’s High-Stakes Bet on Panthers: A Look Back and Forward

In 1981, renowned Australian businessman John Singleton stood to win $250,000 if the Newtown Jets emerged victorious in the rugby league grand final. Singleton, also known as “Singo,” had placed a $5,000 bet at 50-1 odds. “They got to the grand final and led at half-time,” he recounted, “[Bookmaker] Terry Page offered to buy half my bet at half-time – he was going to give me $125,000. But I told Terry, no.” The Jets ultimately lost, leaving Singleton with empty hands. “To collect $250,000 in 1981, you could have bought a house anywhere in Paddo for that money,” he remarked, expressing his hopes that “history does not repeat on Sunday night.”

Fast forward to 2024, and Singleton has wagered on the Penrith Panthers after the season’s first round, potentially earning about $400,000 should they win the grand final. Although this sum is minor relative to his considerable wealth, exceeding $750 million, Singleton anticipates a thrilling and profitable matchday. “I won’t tell you the actual figure,” he said, “but I’ll win a little more on Penrith than what I would have won on Newtown.”

Singleton’s affection for betting extends beyond rugby. He revealed that he has secured more than $1 million “about half a dozen times” from horse racing, including a notable win on a 100-1 longshot named Charlie Bubbles. As for rugby league, Penrith marks his sole gamble of the year. Despite his gambling inclinations, Singleton remains a dedicated spectator of the sport and offers advice for its improvement, advocating for an afternoon grand final and the attribution of more advertising opportunities through game segmentation.

This NRL grand final day provides Singleton the opportunity to support two teams dear to him. The Newtown Jets, alongside playing against the North Devils in the NRL state championships, vie for glory at Accor Stadium. Meanwhile, Michael Jennings has chosen a quiet exit from his rugby league career, as he refrained from NRL’s official retiring players’ parade or the formal luncheon. Jennings’ return to the game earlier this year was marred by controversy following a drug suspension in 2021, and NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo noted his historical conduct as the reason for not commemorating his 300th game appearance.

As the Penrith Panthers and Melbourne Storm gear up for their decisive clash, players like Adam Reynolds offer strategic insights. “You have to give them something they haven’t seen before,” explained Reynolds, underscoring the necessity of innovative plays against Penrith’s formidable defense. The anticipation of a competitive match is amplified by the popularity of the Panthers’ pink attire, which has become a striking feature of their identity.