David Penna


David Penna is an Australian rugby league coach and former footballer who played for the Parramatta Eels and the South Sydney Rabbitohs during his long professional career.
Penna is the current assistant coach of the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs.

Playing career

Penna made his debut for the Parramatta Eels in 1990. He played 22 games over four seasons, often at centre or five-eighth.
In 1994 he moved to join the South Sydney Rabbitohs and played 56 games for the club over four seasons, usually at centre or fullback.
In 1998 Penna returned to Parramatta where he was usually used at five-eighth before moving into the halfback position in 1999. In 2000 Penna was forced to retire after breaking his neck twice and suffering six concussions in the single season.

Coaching career

Penna turned his attention to coaching. In 2009 he coached an Italian XIII. Penna has also coached the Manly Sea Eagles Toyota Cup team. Penna was appointed as Manly's assistant NRL coach for the 2012 season, after Geoff Toovey was promoted to the position of head coach.