Mansour makes Western Sydney move for family

He's called Penrith home for seven years but Josh Mansour has only now committed to the area after moving to Sydney's West for the first time over the summer break.

Mansour, his wife Daniella and one-year-old daughter Siana used the off-season to make the move from their apartment in south Sydney to live closer to Panthers Stadium.

In previous seasons the 28-year-old spent an additional 10 hours of commuting every week compared to his teammates, often battling traffic congestion in the process.

The time freed up by the move is set to provide further family time for the former Kangaroos representative, who re-signed on a three-year deal until 2021 last season.

"We just thought it was the right time to make the move," Mansour said.

"Being injured a lot last year I spent a lot of time with the family at home and with baby number two on the way we thought it was important to settle.

"It's felt a bit weird with training only down the road now but it's going to make things a lot easier and we're loving it.

"I feel a lot more connected to the area and it's made everything refreshed."

One of the longest serving players at the club, Mansour sat in the old demountable buildings, once used by players and staff before the Panthers Academy was built, for the team's annual headshots day in January and took a glance over the playing squad that season.

Among the names on the promotional banners still hanging on the walls included retired hooker Peter Wallace, departed former captain Matt Moylan and NRL.com panellist Jamie Soward.

"There's not many of us left, is there?" Mansour said, referring to the club's 2014 squad.

"TG (Tim Grant) and Dallin? I'm definitely one of the older heads in the side now and feeling it. The development of players at this club is a big reason why I re-signed last year.

"I've had my fair share of injuries at the club and they've really stood by me. I'd love nothing more than to return the favour with more success this season."

Mansour began his career at the Panthers with four years under Ivan Cleary before spending three seasons with Anthony Griffin, during which time he landed state and international debuts.

"They're both completely different coaches with different personalities," Mansour said.

"Ivan drives us to be perfect and doesn't accept second best. What I have been noticing and feeling is everyone is very hungry. There is a clear vision of what we want to do.

"I don't like to put pressure on before a ball is kicked but I've definitely noticed a difference to what we're doing on the training paddock. We're competing on everything."