Penrith could be without their premiership-winning hooker until the 2026 finals series, after Mitch Kenny’s return to play was delayed by another month.
Kenny has been on the sidelines since April due to a fractured fibula as well as a syndesmosis injury – and he may now not return until September.
Mitch Kenny will remain on the sidelines a little longer nna\Jorgebranco
The Sydney Morning Herald reports Kenny’s recovery has taken longer than the Panthers were initially hoping, despite undergoing successful surgery.
A number of changes to his rehabilitation program have been made due to complications to ensure Kenny makes a full recovery.
Ivan Cleary has made clear that Kenny’s situation is week-by-week, seemingly in no rush to risk any further damage to the dummy-half.
Luckily for the ladder-leaders, Freddy Lussick has filled the hole left by Kenny.
It’s been a disrupted period for Penrith’s spine with Kenny out for an extended period and Dylan Edwards spending the past week on the sidelines.
Cleary then made a huge selection call for round 22 by dropping young gun Blaize Talagi to reserve grade in favour of the reliable Jack Cogger.
Andrew Johns believes the Panthers should stick with Cogger for the rest of the year, allowing Talagi to make the necessary adjustments.
“Nathan [Cleary] and Jack Cogger work so well together. Cogger unlocks Nathan’s running game,” he said on Nine’s Sunday Footy Show.
“I think [you stick with Cogger], but it depends on Blaize and how his defence is. I just think Cogger frees Nathan up to play ad-lib footy.”
Brad Fittler agreed, but refused to rule out a potential return for Talagi.
“If you look at both of them, you would say that Blaize has a little bit more flair and creativity,” he said.
“He has a pretty good relationship with Casey McLean, but Jack Cogger is so solid.”
Melbourne great and Maroons coach Billy Slater wants to see Penrith include both Cogger and Talagi in the 19-man squad moving forward.
Blaize Talagi has been dropped by Penrith. Getty
“I think in time they will be both be in the team,” Slater said.
“Their best football is when both of them are in the 19 somewhere.”
Penrith will face the New Zealand Warriors on Friday evening.