The Penrith Panthers have faced online backlash over their partnership with Australian clothing brand Ringers Western after a supporter questioned why the company was promoted during Thursday night’s clash with the Brisbane Broncos.
The criticism follows Ringers Western’s public support for Karl Stefanovic after controversy surrounding his podcast interview with British far-right activist Tommy Robinson, whose legal name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon.
Some supporters have pointed to the history of the Salerno family, who founded Ringers Western.
The company was established by siblings James, Emma and Matteo Salerno, whose father, James Gino Salerno, founded what he called the Ideal Human Environment in Western Australia.
The Ideal Human Environment has been described as a cult in reporting by the ABC and other media organisations.
During criminal proceedings, prosecutors alleged followers referred to James Gino Salerno as “Taipan”, lived under his leadership and handed over their assets and income. James Gino Salerno consistently denied the group was a cult.
Ringers Western co-founder Matteo Salerno (left) with Penrith Panthers coach Ivan Cleary
The Facebook post opposing Ringers Western being a sponsor of the Penrith Panthers
James Gino Salerno was convicted at trial in 2019 over sexual abuse allegations. However, those convictions were later quashed on appeal.
Prosecutors subsequently withdrew the charges before a retrial after the complainant said she could not face giving evidence again. James Gino Salerno has always maintained his innocence and has no criminal conviction.
The family’s history has again attracted attention after Ringers Western defended Stefanovic over his interview with Robinson, who co-founded the English Defence League, an anti-Islam organisation, and has criminal convictions including harassment, fraud and assault.
The Daily Mail is not suggesting Ringers Western, its founders or any NRL club has engaged in any wrongdoing.
In a statement to Yahoo Lifestyle, Ringers Western executive director Emma Salerno said the company would continue sponsoring The Karl Stefanovic Show.
‘From what we can see, Karl is giving a voice to people from all spectrums and freedom of speech is essential to any free and fair democracy,’ she said.
‘The motto of Ringers Western is “Stickin Together”, and we live by it.
‘We support and stand by The Karl Stefanovic Show and will be continuing our sponsorship of the show.’
The Karl Stefanovic Show has also been sponsored by the clothing brand Ringers Western
Karl Stefanovic, 51, divided fans after interviewing British far-right activist Tommy Robinson, 43, on his podcast.
James Gino Salerno founded the Ideal Human Environment, which he denied was a cult
The cult lived in the historic Arbury Park (pictured) mansion in Aldgate from 2001 until 2008
The controversy spilled into rugby league on Thursday night after a Penrith supporter questioned the club’s relationship with the clothing brand in a Facebook post following the Panthers’ loss to Brisbane.
‘I appreciate sponsors. I get it,’ the supporter wrote.
‘I’m really disappointed that Ringers Western was given such a free ride tonight.’
The supporter went on to reference media reporting about the Salerno family’s history before writing: ‘I’m not cool with this.’
‘Not looking to set a fire here but it’s time to be better. And time to be more meticulous about where we find our sponsors.’
The post attracted dozens of comments, with many supporters defending both Ringers Western and the Panthers.
One supporter wrote: ‘Ringers Western is a great Aussie business.’
Another said James Gino Salerno’s convictions had been quashed on appeal before prosecutors later withdrew the charges, adding that he no longer has a criminal conviction.
A third wrote: ‘This is sport. Politics and sport don’t mix.’
Others supported the original post.
‘I am also disappointed as a fan teams have a duty of care to make sure they align themselves with brands…’ one supporter wrote.
The Panthers announced Ringers Western as a major partner in May, with chief executive Matt Cameron describing the relationship as one built on shared values.
‘Their brand represents grit, authenticity and a deep connection to community – values we respect and proudly align with,’ Cameron said.
The partnership includes Ringers Western supplying suits for Panthers players, executives and board members, while the company also served as the club’s Round 20 game-day partner against the Broncos.
Ringers Western has expanded its presence across the NRL and also sponsors the Wests Tigers and Canterbury Bulldogs.
The Tigers recently described the company as ‘one of Australia’s most recognised country workwear and lifestyle brands’ after extending their partnership for 2026.
Nine distanced itself from Stefanovic’s podcast, saying it is produced independently of the network. Stefanovic and Nine parted ways earlier this month.
The Daily Mail has contacted Ringers Western and the Penrith Panthers for comment.
