Matt Eisenhuth has decided to hang up the boots after a career spanning nine seasons. According to Code Sports, Eisenhuth will join the coaching staff for the Panthers\u2019 NSW Cup side.<\/p>\n
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The news of the 33-year-old\u2019s retirement was released with a press release from the club on Thursday afternoon. <\/p>\n
Eisenhuth played in 145 NRL games, with 75 of those for Penrith after joining the club in 2021. He played his first 70 games for the Wests Tigers.<\/p>\n
As it\u2019s turned out, Eisenhuth\u2019s final NRL game was one he captained, leading Penrith out onto the park for their Round 27 clash last season. <\/p>\n
Eisenhuth entered the season on the club\u2019s top 30 list, meaning another spot has opened up on Penrith\u2019s list.<\/p>\n
Matt Eisenhuth played 145 NRLSource: FOX SPORTS<\/p>\n
STORM STAR\u2019S BID FOR REDEMPTION<\/p>\n
Revenge isn\u2019t a word being used in Melbourne this week ahead of the grand final rematch, but redemption will be a small motivating factor for centre Jack Howarth, who lasted less than 15 minutes against Brisbane before injuries cruelly ended his night.<\/p>\n It came a year after he was denied a try in the 2024 decider in the most controversial moment of the night. <\/p>\n Howarth has endured a luckless start to his career with injuries costing him a potential State of Origin debut last year, while groin and biceps issues forced him from the field in the grand final.<\/p>\n Last year\u2019s bout of appendicitis led to doctors finding a tumour that was thankfully detected early on and swiftly removed.<\/p>\n Howarth made that revelation to the NewsWire after the grand final defeat, with the Storm centre keen to move on from that night after speaking to media in the sheds following his side\u2019s win over the Dragons. <\/p>\n Jack Howarth was denied a try in the 2024 grand final. Picture: Cameron Spencer\/Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images<\/p>\n \u201cI came off and it was tough watching,\u201d he recalled, devastated that he forced his side into a backline reshuffle that allowed Broncos fullback Reece Walsh to pick them apart on the edges. <\/p>\n \u201cBut I\u2019m kind of trying to get past that point in that period. And I had a good pre-season and just trying to put myself in a good position for this year.<\/p>\n \u201cIt is a tough one because in the moment you get very emotional. <\/p>\n Is it ‘career suicide’ to drop Jurbo? | 02:56<\/p>\n \u201cBut I think over time when you do get that break away from footy, I just chose to completely switch off and not try to look back on any of that type of stuff because you can take it into the following year. <\/p>\n \u201cI just wanted to go into a new year. I had a few surgeries, so I was focusing on myself and getting myself in a good position to be ready to play round 1.<\/p>\n \u201cI just decided to switch off and spend time with family and friends and I think that helped me and put me in a good position.\u201d<\/p>\n Howarth was forced from the field inside the opening 15 minutes against Brisbane in the 2025 grand final. Picture: Darrian Traynor\/Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images<\/p>\n The Storm has bounced back from a torrid off-season to be 2-0 heading into Friday night\u2019s blockbuster, with Howarth in fantastic form after switching from the left to the right side of the field. <\/p>\n \u201cI grew up playing on the right my whole life, so I think when I was playing on the left, it was just an available spot there. And I just wanted to get into the team, so I was happy to play on the left,\u201d he said after scoring a try in each of the first two games. <\/p>\n \u201cBut I don\u2019t want to just say I\u2019m a right-side player, so whenever, wherever the team needs me and needs someone to fill in, I\u2019m happy to play either left or right.\u201d<\/p>\n Howarth has scored two tries in two games to start the season after moving to the right. Picture: Daniel Pockett\/Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images<\/p>\n Howarth is feeling fully fit after years of setbacks, with all eyes now on the showdown with Brisbane who are winless through the opening two rounds.<\/p>\n Last year\u2019s result still stings, but coach Craig Bellamy says a win on Friday won\u2019t ease the pain. <\/p>\n \u201cWe can\u2019t change that,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n \u201cWe would have liked to have won, but we didn\u2019t. At some stage you\u2019ve got to park that. This is a new year.<\/p>\n \u201cIf we happen to win on Friday night, then they\u2019re not going to give us last year\u2019s premiership, so it\u2019s a waste of time thinking about it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u2014 Martin Gabor<\/p>\n Michael Maguire Face-to-Face Special | 27:17<\/p>\n SHARKS GUN INKS NEW DEAL <\/p>\n The Sharks have recieved a boost in their bid to retain a plethora of off-contract stars with reborn back-rower Billy Burns oinking an extension with the club. <\/p>\n The 27-year-old has scored 13 tries in 64 NRL games for the Panthers, Dragons and Sharks since his debut in 2019, including 17 games in his best season last year for Cronulla. <\/p>\n \u201cThe Sharks are pleased to announce dependable back-rower Billy Burns has signed a two-year-extension, tying him to the club until at least the end of 2028,\u201d the Sharks said in a statement. <\/p>\n Burns was excited to repay the faith the club has shown in him and continue to work with some of the best forwards in the NRL. <\/p>\n \u201cThe club took a chance on me a couple of years ago and to be able to repay that has definitely made me feel happy and grateful for the opportunity,\u201d Burns said. <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m keen to see where we can go in the next couple of years.<\/p>\n \u201cI feel proud, but I wouldn\u2019t have been able to do it without the people in the building. The coaching staff especially, they\u2019ve been really good driving me, and then I have a great bunch of guys around to push me and learn off.<\/p>\n Billy Burns has inked a Sharks extension.Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve got one of the best back-rowers in Briton Nikora and an up-and-comer in Teig Wilton, which has been massive for my development. To be able to graft away with them the next couple of years is just so good.\u201d<\/p>\n Sharks General Manager Football Darren Mooney was excited to have such a dedicated clubmen extend his stay at Cronulla. <\/p>\n \u201cThis deal is testament to Billy\u2019s unwavering work ethic and his constant desire to improve his game,\u201d Mooney said.<\/p>\n \u201cHe was determined to make the most of his opportunity at the Sharks and has worked his way up to being a regular presence in our squad.<\/p>\n \u201cWith the ability to play on an edge and in the middle, he brings great versatility.\u201d<\/p>\n Bronson Xerri nearly walks out at Dogs | 09:31<\/p>\n DRAGONS GUN INKS LONG-TERM DEAL<\/p>\n The Dragons have received a boost on the eve of their Round 3 clash with the Eels with boom forward Dylan Egan inking a long-term extension with the club. <\/p>\n The 21-year-old has scored three tries in eight games for the Dragons since his debut last season and is due back from an ACL injury in Round 8. <\/p>\n \u201cThe Dragons have continued their commitment to building a squad around young local talent, extending the contract of second-rower Dylan Egan through the 2029 NRL season,\u201d the club confirmed in a statement. <\/p>\n \u201cPreviously committed through 2027, Egan has put pen to paper to push his time at St George Illawarra into at least a fifth season, having made his debut in Round 4 last year.\u201d <\/p>\n Egan, who is a local junior having supported the Dragons since their last title run in 2010 was excited to extend his stay at the proud club. <\/p>\n \u201cI was over the moon to be able to secure my future with the club that I grew up supporting\u2026 it means the world,\u201d Egan said.<\/p>\n MORE NRL NEWS<\/p>\n TALKING POINTS: Galvin reality as excuse for Dogs change; Broncos\u2019 retort to heat<\/a><\/p>\n \u2018CAN\u2019T AFFORD TO LOSE\u2019: Broncos star on \u2018unders\u2019 bids for pay rise amid Haas exit<\/a><\/p>\n