'Best job in the world': Henry reflects on childhood dreams and daunting transition to Bears

A young Liam Henry sat in his Blayney primary school classroom, staring down at the prompt on the paper in front of him: What do you want to be when you grow up?

or signup to continue reading

All articles from our website & app

The digital version of Today's Paper

Liam Henry takes his next step in his NRL career. Picture by AAP.

The Penrith Panthers prop has followed a classic pathway through rugby league. After starting out on the fields with the Blayney Bears, he was called up to Penrith as an 18-year-old. Now, he's packing his bags to join the newly established Perth Bears on a four-year deal.

Despite coming from a small country town, Henry always had big dreams and reflected on each chapter of his career so far.

"I remember growing up I just absolutely loved the game...waking up at 6.30am on a Saturday to head to the fields with mum and dad who always volunteered for Blayney Bears," he said.

"I couldn't wait for it to be 7.30am so I could play with under sixes, stick around all day, watch every grade, and do it all again on Sunday.

"When you love the game you're always around it, they're really fond memories for me."

While Henry loved every aspect of the game, he also forged a deep connection with the Blayney community and he still holds strong ties with his old footy mates from the bush.

"You lean on each other when you lose, you ride the highs and lows of the week, you bond with each other, grow deep connections, it's incredible; it's the best job in the world, I absolutely love it," he said.

Henry has spent the past seven years with the Penrith Panthers, having first signed with the club as a junior in 2019. He progressed through their Jersey Flegg and NSW Cup systems before making his NRL debut in 2022.

This year marked Henry's final season with the Panthers after committing to Perth, a decision he didn't make lightly.

"We have had an awesome year, it was so special and I am so extremely grateful for the group," Henry said.

"It was definitely a tough decision, we sat on it for a while, but once we committed then we were all in."

Liam Henry with Penrith teammate Nathan Cleary prior to a past NRL match at Bathurst. Picture by Alise McIntosh.

It was a tough end to the season for Penrith, falling just short of the NRL grand final after a preliminary final defeat to the Newcastle Knights.

Henry admitted it stung even more coming off the back of the 2025 decider, where the Brisbane Broncos snatched the trophy from Penrith's grasp.

"It always feels very disappointing, especially back-to-back prelims, that hurts a lot," he said.

"I feel we had such a great group of fellas this year, and I enjoyed every second of my time, I really thought we were going to do something special this year.

"It just wasn't meant to be, we will definitely take lessons out of that and see areas for myself too where I can improve and get better."

Turning disappointment into purpose, Henry gave himself the perfect farewell to Penrith. On Saturday, October 10, he ran 65km along the Nepean River to honour his father-in-law, who has lived with Parkinson's for 13 years.

Just a couple of days earlier, he was also awarded the Senior Education Award and the John Farragher Award for Courage and Determination at the Penrith Panthers' 2026 awards night, following his fightback from a pre-season knee injury.

Introduced in 1979, the award celebrates former Panthers prop John Farragher, who was left a quadriplegic following a severe on-field spinal injury at age 21. Having dedicated more than 40 years of service to the club after his accident, his namesake award is presented annually to a player who exemplifies courage, resilience, and strength.

"I was not expecting it, not one bit, I was absolutely blown away," Henry said.

"It's a wonderful award and I'm extremely honoured to receive it....John was an amazing man and I feel really privileged to get it."

Gavin Cheney (left) and Liam Henry (right). Picture: Supplied.

Henry and his wife, Sophie, are preparing for a whole new chapter in Perth - and an even bigger one at home, with the couple expecting a little one next month.

"It's an exciting chapter for Soph and I, all we've known together is Penrith...moving across Australia with a newborn will be tricky but it will be good once the season starts and we settle in. It is going to be awesome," he said.

While the move to Perth is exciting, leaving a club with Penrith's winning reputation is inevitably a bit daunting for Henry.

"It's just the unknown, it's a brand new team and a new franchise and we haven't met all the players and families yet," he said.

"It's completely new, but the good thing is that everyone is in the same boat, it will be great to get over there and connect with the players."

Henry felt calmer knowing he would have a familiar face alongside him on the journey, Orange junior and Panthers teammate Jack Cole.

"I really love 'Coley' and I'm excited to have him with me, he's been doing great and I think it'll be really good for him," he said.

"It's really nice to have familiar faces and that makes it a lot easier."

Henry has high hopes for the Bears' 2027 campaign and is already looking forward to squaring off against his old Penrith teammates.

"You always build towards winning every year and it's no different from the Bears," he said.

"I love their group and I think it's a wonderful opportunity to do something special so we will be going for it."

Be the first to know when news breaks.