Penrith forward Scott Sorensen. Photo: Melinda Jane.

Premiership-winning Panthers forward Scott Sorensen is demanding Laurie Daley select unsung teammate and dummy half Mitch Kenny in the NSW Blues team this year.

The extraordinary call comes just days after 28-year-old Kenny was suspended for this Friday’s blockbuster against Melbourne following a hip-drop tackle on Eels fullback Isaiah Iongi last weekend.

Speaking with the Weekender prior to the Good Friday clash at CommBank Stadium, the experienced backrower said the Panthers are going to miss Kenny dearly against the Storm.

“To be honest, I’m actually really glad you asked about him,” Sorensen began.

Mitch Kenny in action. Photo: NRL Photos.

“I feel like Mitch doesn’t get the praise that he deserves. He has been an absolute warrior for our side for so long. The way he is leading our team at training, the way he is leading our team on the park – he’s taken his game to the next level.”

Sorensen then doubled down on Kenny’s impact for Penrith as well as his maturity and leadership by calling for the hooker’s selection in this year’s State of Origin series.

“It might come across biased because I’m one of his teammates and I love him, but he is honestly kicking the door down for State of Origin… he’s kicking the door down for international football. I say that with absolute honesty, like he’s screaming out to get a Blues jersey and he deserves it,” Sorensen declared.

“Everyone that plays with Mitch here knows that when he is playing it fills you with absolute confidence and I love playing with him.

“That should explain how much we’re going to miss him on Friday; you know what I mean?”

Mitch Kenny. Photo: NRL Photos.

Kenny’s absence on Friday night will see new Panthers recruit Freddy Lussick in the starting hooker role against the Storm. On Monday, Panthers coach Ivan Cleary praised Lussick’s work ethic at training and Sorensen said he couldn’t agree more.

“When he came in the pre-season Freddy just grabbed the opportunity with both hands – he was very impressive,” Sorensen said.

“Obviously Ivan has built an incredible culture here and he’s just bought straight into that and is doing an incredible job.

“He is putting his hand up and more to push for a position in this team and he’s been very impressive. For him to get a crack on Friday night is very exciting for him and for the team.”

Scott Sorensen in action. Photo: NRL Photos.

After six amazing seasons with the Panthers, Sorensen will depart the club at season’s end. He’ll join new NRL franchise the Perth Bears from 2027 on two-year deal.

Sorensen, whose wife is from Western Australia, said he’s looking forward to his latest chapter next year.

“I’m very fortunate and very grateful to the Bears for this incredible opportunity, it’s very exciting,” he said.

“But it’s going to be hard to say goodbye to this organisation. It’s going to be bittersweet, but I can’t say thank you enough to the Bears. But that opportunity doesn’t come without the Panthers obviously.”

Prop Liam Henry and former Panther Mav Geyer will join Sorensen in Perth.

Nathan Taylor

Nathan Taylor is the Weekender’s Deputy Editor and Senior Sports Writer. He also compiles the weekly Chatter on the Box TV column. Nathan is an award-winning journalist, who has worked at the Weekender for a decade.