The Penrith Panthers remain hopeful that star dummy half Mitch Kenny will be fit for Week 2 of the NRL finals, should the club secure a win over the New Zealand Warriors this weekend
The 27-year-old was a surprise inclusion from Penrith’s squad traveling to Auckland for Saturday’s clash against the New Zealand Warriors, having featured in Round 27 against the St George Illawarra Dragons.
Despite playing full matches in 16 games this season, the hooker managed just 41 minutes on the field last week.
While the club has not publicly commented on the hooker’s absence, the Western Weekender’s Peter Lang has reported Kenny is sidelined with a mild hamstring strain, expected to keep him out for just one week.
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The hooker’s leadership was pivotal in Penrith’s resurgence during the challenging State of Origin period this season, making his absence from this week’s finals match a significant blow for the Panthers.
Kenny's omission from the 22-man squad means there is no chance of a late inclusion for the Auckland trip, with Thomas Jenkins moved to 18th man and Paul Alamoti given a starting spot on the wing.
In Kenny’s absence, Luke Sommerton has been named at No.9 in just his 12th NRL game, as Penrith push for a fifth consecutive premiership.
The team has also recalled Brian To’o and Liam Martin after an extra week of rest at the end of the regular season. To’o will replace Jenkins on the wing, while Martin’s return sees Luke Garner move to the bench and Matthew Eisenhuth dropped from the squad.
If Penrith defeat the Warriors this weekend, Kenny is expected to return for a semi-final clash against the loser of Friday night’s qualifying final between the Melbourne Storm and Canterbury Bulldogs.