Thomas Jenkins’ stunning four-try performance for the Panthers against the Roosters has him a “smokey” for State of Origin selection, according to a pair of Blues legends.
Jenkins has scored eight tries from three matches this season, including the four on Friday night. He scored doubles against the Broncos and Sharks in their opening two matches.
Zac Lomax’ defection to the 15-man game leaves a vacant spot on the Blues wing, with Jenkins potentially fighting the likes of Jacob Kiraz, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Josh Addo-Carr and even Tom Trbojevic for selection.
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With Brian To’o virtually a certainty on the other wing, Mark Geyer said Blues selection would cap off Jenkins’ stunning ascension through the NRL ranks.
“He’s scoring tries for fun at the moment,” he said on 2GB’s Continuous Call Team.
Jenkins scored four in the Panthers rout of the Roosters. NRL Images
“He just knows where the try line is and he gives 100 per cent. I love the way he plays.
“At the start of last year he was playing for St Marys in the Ron Massey Cup … and all of a sudden opportunities arise.”
Jenkins played much of last year on the Panthers’ wing, but did not play in any of their three finals matches, as coach Ivan Cleary instead elected to play Paul Alamoti on the wing and Izack Tago in the centres.
But elevated over Tago into the starting side in 2026, the Yass product has been making the most of the chance.
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“And that’s what you have to do when you’re a player who’s hungry,” Geyer added.
Paul Gallen said he thought there would likely be “a couple of guys” in front of Jenkins, but conceded he’s doing everything he could to earn selection.
“He’s just doing the right things for Penrith at the moment, which at the end of the day is what you’ve got to do – play good for your club side,” he said.
“If you’re going good enough for your club side, things can turn out the right way for you and you can be in the sky blue jersey.”
Jenkins scored 13 tries in 21 appearances for the Panthers last season.