Panther 2
88 matches [1967-1972]
69 points [23 tries]
Stats: themightypanthers.com/players_applebee-dave.htm
Gunnedah born back who was playing at nearby Oakdale in the Group 6 competition when he was signed by Penrith soon after they gained promotion in 1966. Applebee played on the wing in their first ever premiership match against Canterbury in 1967. He would play 21 matches in his first season, and would become the club’s first representative player when selected for the City Seconds team.
A robust but fiery centre, he would be a mainstay in the Panthers backline in their fledgling years, but would be sent off a number of times throughout his career – it is said that it cost him of even higher representative honours.
After 89 matches across 6 seasons, crossing for 23 tries, he would leave Penrith at the end of 1972, where he would take up a captain-coach role with Innisfail and represented Queensland in 1973.
He would later return to Sydney and played out his career as captain-coach of Oakdale.
Last updated 8 March 2024
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