Kenny back before Finals
I’m hearing that Penrith is very keen for Mitch Kenny to have a run against the Tigers in Round 27 to ensure he is match fit for the Finals.
His recovery from a fractured fibula and high-grade syndesmosis injury has been longer than the club had hoped, but he’s nearly there. Expect to see him on the team sheet for the game against the Tigers.
He’s been telling people as much over the past week too.
Panthers hooker Mitch Kenny. Photo: Melinda Jane.
Another Cleary Jetts in
The Warriors have agreed to Jett Cleary’s request for a release, paving the way for him to sign with Penrith.
The Warriors were initially unhappy with the request and reluctant to release the 21-year-old, who is yet to make his first grade debut.
But they softened late in the piece and formally confirmed the release yesterday.
Jett Cleary playing for the Warriors. Photo: NRL Photos.
Marto meeting next week
Liam Martin’s management will meet with Penrith next week as they try to finalise an extension with the club. The NSW forward would love to stay given he has a young family and has settled down in the area. But money will be a big factor in what is likely to be Martin’s final significant contract. There’s a gap at the moment between Penrith and Martin. It’ll be a challenge to close it.
Liam Martin. Photo: NRL Photos.
Roosters rattled
Josh Mansour legitimately thought it was a joke when he was approached by an NRL official about his “coaching” of Penrith players on the sideline against the Roosters last Thursday night.
The over-sensitive Chooks had lodged the complaint, suggesting Mansour, there as a ground announcer, was offering tips to the likes of Brian To’o and Tom Jenkins. Everyone laughed it off, but it was very petty.
Josh Mansour at CommBank Stadium.
Garner hurt again?
Luke Garner has been named on the extended bench for Penrith for tonight’s match against Melbourne. But there’s a little whisper his NRL return was at risk after he picked up a fresh injury playing NSW Cup last week.
Luke Garner. Photo: NRL Photos.
Cameron approached
Reports that Parramatta approached Panthers CEO Matt Cameron about jumping ship to the Eels isn’t surprising, and it certainly isn’t the first approach the Penrith boss has had in recent years.
Cameron is seen as a master of the salary cap and one of the main players in the club’s rise over the past six or seven years. It’s no surprise he regularly comes up at Board meetings across the league.
Panthers Rugby League CEO Matt Cameron. Photo: Melinda Jane.
Signing spree: The Panthers have had a busy week, announcing the re-signings of both Casey McLean and Paul Alamoti. And there could be another big one to come – I’m hearing Isaah Yeo is close to inking a fresh extension despite a suggestion earlier this year he’d test the market.
Paul Alamoti scores for Penrith against Wests. Photo: NRL Photos.
Tab loses faith
For the first time this season, Penrith are no longer favourites with the TAB to win the Minor Premiership. Despite having a softish draw on the way to September, the now second-placed Panthers are $2.85 to finish first, behind the Roosters at $1.60. Penrith do however remain premiership favourites at $3.20, ahead of the Rooters at $3.60 and Warriors at $6.00.
Lussick’s side gig
Freddy Lussick has his own channel on YouTube, focused on golf. And he’s landed his biggest guest yet this week – Penrith superstar Nathan Cleary. Search The Back 09 on YouTube to check out the episode – which features some fun and light-hearted moments between the duo (and confirms neither should quit rugby league any time soon).
Journos have it wrong
The suggestion that Nathan Cleary hasn’t commenced negotiations with Penrith about an extended contract, as is being reported by a number of Sydney’s biggest rugby league journalists, simply isn’t true.
I understand talks have been underway behind closed doors for some time.
Nathan Cleary. Photo: NRL Photos.
The Masked Panther is the most mysterious journalist of all. He has the inside word on everything happening in rugby league.