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Freddy Lussick.

Photo: NRL Photos.

THE FINAL WORD

If you watched the games involving Penrith and Newcastle last weekend, you may have noticed a strong similarity.

Both sides had decent half-time leads, only to lose their way in the second half.

The big difference was that Penrith still got the job done in the end – requiring Golden Point to do it – while Newcastle just couldn’t find their feet after being knocked for six by the Roosters (and some moments of James Tedesco brilliance).

The Knights are still trying to find their way under new coach Justin Holbrook but there’s no question they’re an improved football side this year. There is a bit of grunt in them that has been missing for a few years now and they’re the type of side that could beat anyone on their

day. In fact one thing about Newcastle is that they will definitely win a period of the game.

Sometimes, that’s enough to set up a win – like against the Bulldogs and Raiders in backto-back weeks about a month ago – while on other occasions it’s far from what’s required to get the two competition points.

When the Knights come up against an 80 minute side like the Roosters, they get found out. But they will get better at that, no doubt.

I would have said the Panthers were unquestionably an 80 minute side and would simply outlast Newcastle on Sunday, but there’s been signs this year of the side dropping off for parts of a contest.

It certainly happened against the Dolphins last week in the second half, while we’ve seen it in patches against sides like the Eels who still managed to put 20 points on Ivan Cleary’s side. With momentum being harder to wrestle

back in the NRL this year, any side that isn’t switched on for the full game is vulnerable. An 18 or 20 point lead is nothing anymore. In the years prior to this, Penrith posting such a lead and then being threatened would have been unheard of.

The Panthers will have to adjust to life without Mitch Kenny for the next few months, with Freddy Lussick coming in to replace the injured hooker. Lussick showed good signs in the limited game time he’s had so far this year and I’m confident the Panthers don’t lose too much with the forced change, though there’s no question opposition outfits will test Lussick’s defence in the middle.

This is the kind of game the Knights have loved in years gone by. A Sunday afternoon at home, in front of what will likely be a capacity crowd. 23 degrees, no rain, a fast track.

Holbrook has the Knights engaging with the

line more, standing up to be counted and being more alert in games. They’re getting good yardage out of kicks and are starting to do all the little things right.

But defensively, he’s still got some work to do. The Knights have missed the third most tackles of any side in the competition this year and it’s giving opposition sides a sniff to pile on the pressure.

I don’t think the Panthers will run away with this one.

I think it’ll be a high scoring affair, with plenty of momentum switches and both sides controlling the game for significant periods. It’ll come down to who ices their opportunities when they present themselves, and when it comes to that you’d think the Panthers have the cattle to get the job done. But I admit, I’m a little nervous.

Tip: Panthers by 8.

Tries galore, and a big call to make

One of the most talked about players in rugby league says “money isn’t everything” as he weighs up his future in the game.

The NRL’s leading try scorer, Penrith Panthers winger Thomas Jenkins, has a huge decision on his hands – leave the Panthers for a second time or stay at the club for less cash than what he could potentially earn elsewhere.

Speaking with Extra Time on Wednesday, Jenkins confirmed that extension talks with the Panthers have taken place, but that a final decision was still some time away.

“Extension talks are in the process – whether that’s staying or leaving, I’m not 100 per cent sure at the moment. I’ve let my manager handle it,” Jenkins said.

With each and every try scored, Jenkins is adding more and more value to his next contract. Penrith would’ve loved to have inked a new deal with the man they call “Milky” earlier this season, but a decision by Jenkins and his management to ‘hold off’ has proved a masterstroke for the 25-year-old.

“I’m just letting my footy do the talking.

Hopefully I can get something done,” Jenkins said.

“I guess it does help being in good form and all that, I wouldn’t say it’s stressing me out too much because it’s a long season, there’s six months to go.”

While Jenkins is right about time being on his side, as the old saying goes, ‘a week is a long time in rugby league’, and a freak injury or a bout of poor form could see his value plummet fast.

“I’m just letting my footy do the talking”

Jenkins left the Panthers two years ago for an opportunity and more money at Newcastle before returning a season later, practically begging Penrith coach Ivan Cleary for another chance.

Jenkins said he will take into consideration when making his decision the Panthers picking him up from the scrap heap last year and turning him into the player he is today.

“To be honest, as much as money is nice and all that, it’s not always about money… but… in saying that, it is a business to a degree,” he said.

“You would take a pay cut because it’s a premium club like Penrith, but there’s obviously a certain amount that you do.

“My preference is to stay and that’s what I want to do and hopefully we can get something done. But these are the things my manager will sort out.”

Another curveball both Jenkins and the Panthers could be thrown in the coming months is selection in the NSW State of Origin team. Jenkins’ name has been thrown in the mix in recent weeks due to his historic try scoring streak – 16 tries in seven games.

Jenkins said he’s enjoying – for the most part – being talked about in the media and seeing his name tossed around in mock Blues squads.

“Yeah, to a degree,” he admitted. “I don’t want to sit there and read everything, but you do see it, it’s part of it and it’s exciting. It’s nice being in those conversations. If you weren’t in them, then I guess it means I might not be playing good footy.”

Jenkins will be looking to add to his incredible try scoring tally this Sunday afternoon when the Panthers come up against his former club Newcastle.

The Boorowa product says he doesn’t feel any pressure to keep his try scoring streak going, but he’s not complaining if it does.

“To be honest, I wouldn’t say I sit there and dwell on it or anything like that – I don’t really give two hoots about streaks,” Jenkins admitted. “It’s sort of week to week and if you keep your mind focused on that then I guess if they happen, they happen, if they don’t, they don’t. I’m sure the right edge will be getting some love at some time this year no doubt.”

On fire: Thomas Jenkins. Photo: NRL Photos.

Thomas Jenkins. Photo: NRL Photos.

Thomas Jenkins is in huge demand. Photo: NRL Photos.

NATHAN TAYLOR

Next man up as Mitch goes down

Panthers utility Jack Cogger says he and Freddy Lussick are ready to fill injured hooker Mitch Kenny’s shoes over the next few months.

The pair will assume the dummy half responsibilities this Sunday against the Knights and for potentially the next eight to 12 weeks after Kenny suffered a fractured fibula and syndesmosis injury during Penrith’s thrilling Golden Point win over the Dolphins in Darwin last Friday night.

Speaking with Extra Time on Wednesday, Cogger said Kenny –who’s also his housemate – will be missed by the playing group.

“Unfortunately his injury is pretty serious and I know that because I live with him,” he said.

“He’s had the surgery and it hasn’t taken him long to stop feeling sorry for himself and flick the switch into rehab mode and talk about how he’s going to help the boys over the next couple of weeks while in the cast.”

Cogger revealed the avid bird watcher has ditched his crutches

already and is transporting himself around with the aid of a scooter.

“He’ll be helping Freddy and myself in any way he can, and helping Wally (Peter Wallace) with the defensive stuff on the training field,” Cogger said.

“Mitch is a team player and that’s how he’ll help us in the next couple of weeks. But I’m sure when he’s moving, he’ll be doing everything he can to get back on the field early.”

Before his unfortunate injury, Kenny was in the mix to play representative footy for the first time in his decorated career. Cogger said Kenny would’ve been an ideal choice for Laurie Daley’s NSW Blues team this year.

“I think he definitely was in the conversation for Origin… I’d say they’d pick two hookers this year with a six-man bench,” Cogger said.

“I think he would be a pretty handy player to have there and, as a Blues supporter, he’s kind of the perfect player for that in my opinion.”

Following one of the games of the season against the Dolphins, the Panthers returned to training this week feeling better than expected.

Pundits were worried that the Panthers might need some extra recovery time to get over the steamy Top End weather, but the players say they are feeling strong ahead of Sunday’s clash against the Knights.

“It was very hot and humid, but it’s hot in Penrith during the pre-season, so we were ready,” Cogger said.

“There were probably stages of that game that hurt us a bit more than others, but we were able to come back at the end when we fell behind, which is probably a really big tick for our season.

“You’ve got to win in different ways and we’ve proved we can come from behind as well and seal the win.”

Penrith, the competition leaders after seven rounds, are favourites heading into this weekend’s ANZAC Day Round clash despite the Knights having a solid start to the season under new coach Justin Holbrook.

“I’m friends with a lot of the boys still and they’re really enjoying their time under Justin and it seems like a really happy group at the moment, which always helps on the field,” Cogger, the former Knight said.

“Playing at home on ANZAC weekend is always a special occasion; it’s sold-out up there already. It’s an important game for them but it’s

such a great occasion for us to be part of as well. I’m really excited.” Sunday’s game gets underway at 2pm.

Jack Cogger in action for Penrith. Photo: Melinda Jane.

NATHAN TAYLOR

Heat on NRL after Darwin

Darwin under review: The NRL is likely to review the timing of matches in Darwin after the debacle last week that saw the Panthers and Dolphins play in stifling conditions. I’m told that at one stage, there was even a suggestion the game would not go ahead due to player welfare concerns. In the end, the NRL introduced its standard hot weather policy of drinks breaks and a longer half-time break. While the annual Darwin match has been played in April since 2021, prior to that it had regularly been played in the winter months. It seems unnecessary to play the game so early in the year when there’s a 27 week window available.

Ransley Street works: As the Penrith Stadium upgrade continues, builders will be working heavily in Ransley Street over the next month. From today a section of the footpath on Ransley Street between Mulgoa Road and Station Street will be diverted. Work is commencing on the installation of two utility kiosks at the Ransley Street end of the ground.

Top end welcome: Penrith may have been the away team in Darwin last weekend but the popularity of the six-time Premiers was obvious. The team was swamped at Darwin airport, signing autographs and taking photos with fans as well as Top End officials. There was also plenty of Penrith jerseys in the crowd at TIO Stadium.

Spotted: Referee Adam Gee on the ‘red eye’ flight out of Darwin following last week’s game between Penrith and the Dolphins. He was slumming it in economy.

Sterlo’s tribute: Parramatta legend Peter Sterling has reflected on Penrith’s incredible run of success. Sterling was part of the Eels side that won three straight Premierships in the 1980s and knows how hard it is to go back-to-back once, let alone increase that tally further. “To think that Penrith have won four straight where you actually get penalised for your success is an incredible effort,” he told 2GB. “It’s an amazing achievement in the current age.”

Old friends: Nathan Cleary and Brad Schneider had a good catch-up following the game

between the Panthers and Dolphins last Friday night. Schneider was of course back-up to Cleary at Penrith for the last couple of seasons, and has now found a home at Redcliffe.

Kenny quick to forgive: There’s no hard feelings towards Kodi Nikorima after the tackle that wiped Panthers hooker Mitch Kenny out of action for up to three months. “No malice or intent in it, just an unfortunate part of the game we play,” Kenny said in the hours following the nasty injury. Kenny suffered a fractured fibula and syndesmosis injury in the hip drop incident, which saw the Premiership-winning hooker taken to hospital while the game was still underway in Darwin.

Kenny’s social catch-up: Talking of Mitch Kenny, he has revealed he recently met the man behind the infamous @mitchkennylover account on Instagram. “I actually met that guy the other week! For a while, I thought it was someone I knew. But it’s just a complete stranger! But no, he was good, he was funny,” he said. So is he Mitch Kenny’s biggest fan? “I reckon my mum might give him a run but mum’s not making memes!” he said.

Origin battle: Despite his strong start to the season, Dylan Edwards is facing a battle to retain his New South Wales jersey for the State of Origin series. James Tedesco is in ripping form at the Roosters and produced a masterclass against the Knights on Sunday. After an up-and-down 2025 season, Edwards has started the year well but Tedesco’s form is impossible to ignore. There’s plenty of whispers that Laurie Daley may go back to the future and bring Tedesco in for what will be a do-or-die series for the Blues coach.

Cowan years re-visited: There is no question Roger Cowan’s impact on Panthers is as significant as anyone’s in the club’s history, so much so he was named a Club Legend at a 60th anniversary event earlier this year. Now his son and former Panthers marketing king Max Cowan is working to preserve Cowan’s legacy via a new online project. The ‘Panthers, Passion & Politics’ concept follows on from a book published in 2007 that documented Cowan’s impact on Panthers from 1965 to 2005. The project is still in its early days but you can head to https://pantherspassionpolitics.com

Isaah Yeo in Darwin.

PANTHERS POSTER

Penrith’s Moneyball players

with Peter Lang Lang on League

MONEYBALL

It’s hard to fathom but Thomas Jenkins is the best value-for-money ‘Moneyball’ player that Penrith has ever had on their books.

So for those who don’t know, the term ‘Moneyball’ means ‘using data analytics and objective metrics to identify undervalued players, allowing clubs to build competitive teams by acquiring talent below market value’.

All NRL clubs have ‘Moneyball’ players, some just do it better than others, and why? Because no team can afford a squad of 30 superstar players, at least not until they abolish the salary cap, which of course, will never happen.

The key to signing ‘Moneyball’ players in rugby league mainly revolves around ‘acquiring talent below market value.’

Some statistical metrics of course come into play, but in rugby league a little bit more ‘scouting/talent identification instinct’ is perhaps used.

These days rugby league scouts are identifying players as young as 14 in the hope of finding the next Nathan Cleary or Isaah Yeo. The scary thing is that these youngsters already have managers.

But getting back to ‘Moneyball’ players, let’s for the sake of the

Remember ‘Moneyball’? Similar chats would happen at NRL clubs.

argument just say that any player in a club’s top 30 squad who is paid under $220,000 a season fits the bill.

Well at this point in time, Thomas Jenkins is on a contract well under that amount.

16 tries and counting, Jenkins is breaking rugby league records and only earning around $140,000 a season, which happens to be the NRL minimum wage.

He’s the gift that keeps on giving.

Jenkins of course is in for a big pay rise for his next contract and that’s why it’s taking so long to re-sign him.

The club wants to pay him what

he’s worth without breaking the budget.

Let’s just say he won’t qualify as a ‘Moneyball player’ anymore.

I’m still confident the club will work out a deal which will keep him at the club for at least another two seasons.

Other ‘Moneyball’ players include the likes of Freddy Lussick, Kalani-Leuluai Going and Toby Crosby who all came over from the Warriors looking for an opportunity to play regular first grade.

With Lussick set for an extended stint in the top grade due to a long-term injury to Mitch Kenny and Going already playing off the

bench, Crosby is the only one yet to taste first grade.

These players are essential in a long NRL season as injuries, suspensions and representative honours all drain the talent pool of players at the pointy end of the salary cap.

I also expect other “Moneyball’ players like Luron Patea and even Tom Ale to get a run in the top grade, especially around Origin time when Penrith are expected to have up to six players selected in the New South Wales squad.

‘Moneyball’ is no longer a term which can only be restricted to the American sport of baseball. I wouldn’t be surprised if every sport in the world uses the concept on one level or another.

PET PEEVE

I really hate that stupid Fox League Momentum Tracker. It is the worse measurement tool I have ever seen applied to a rugby league match.

How are a few squiggly blocks of colour supposed to be interesting or informative for the viewer?

There have been some marvellous inventions in TV sports broadcast coverage over the years, the ‘Eagle Cam’, even ‘Crossbar Cam’ was better than this ‘thingamajig’.

Son called for Scott to give it away with Emily

When Penrith backrower Scott Sorensen announced he was signing with the Perth Bears, no one was more devastated than his son.

In 2021 when Sorensen won his first NRL Grand Final, his oldest son Hudson was just two-years-old. The now six-year-old has watched his dad win four premierships with the team at the foot of the Mountains.

Earlier this year, Sorensen announced he had signed with the Perth Bears, and the hardest part was explaining his decision to his son.

“He’s just a Penrith fanatic,” Sorensen laughed.

“He absolutely loves it, loves the team, loves the boys, and loves footy. He’s only six!

“It’s even to the point when I said I’m leaving to sign with the Bears, and he said dad you should probably retire if you don’t play for Penrith!”

Deciding to leave Penrith was no easy choice for Sorensen who credits coach Ivan Cleary as someone who helped get his career to where it is now.

“There is so many good people in there,” he reflected.

“I’d probably say the whole organisation to be fair but if you are going to put anyone on top of the tree it’s definitely Ivan, 100 per cent. He’s gone above and beyond for myself and my family on and off the field. He’s been incredible.”

Footy is ingrained into every facet of Sorensen’s life. He says he tries to catch every game like any fan.

“I love watching the footy games, I do try to watch as much as I can but yeah sometimes the kids take priority over watching the footy!” Sorensen said.

“[Before kids] I would watch every game, I love it. I love watching every game.”

Sorensen and his wife Elle love the ocean, with the father of three saying his perfect day off would be spent by the beach.

“A picture perfect day off would be a little sleep in and then it’d be across the road taking the kids for a swim,” Sorensen said.

“Then straight to a café for a coffee and breakfast, and probably back down to the beach and spend the day there with the family.”

Chate

Quick Questions

Coffee order: Strong flat white

Cheat meal: Crust pizza

Favourite show: ’Stranger Things’ or ‘Peaky Blinders’

Favourite musician: Kanye West

Pet peeve: Snoring

Who did you support growing up: Cronulla

Go to streaming service: Netflix

Scott Sorensen. Photo: Melinda Jane.

Tries: T Jenkins 2, D Edwards, B Talagi Goals: N Cleary 3/4, N Cleary FG

Tries: F Fakalelu, L Fletcher, J Durham, T Leafe, T Tonga Goals: M McPhail 4/5

Tries: L Scarlett 2, C Zahra, C Webb Goals: C Webb 3/5

Tries: H Farnworth, S Cobbo, H Tabuai-Fidow, J Averillo

J Isaako 3/4

E Walker, S Hanrahan, T Clarke

Clarke 2/3 Tries: C Arama, S Leatupue, T Scibberas-Hemana

J Moran 1/3

One of the most famous Penrith jerseys in the club’s history was worn just once – back in 2015.

special ANZAC Day kit became a top seller, and was one of the pioneering ANZAC NRL jerseys. Worn against Cronulla at Panthers Stadium, major sponsor OAK gave up their logo for the day to

Pictured here wearing the jersey is Api Koroisau, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak and Matt Moylan.

(Photo thanks to NRL Photos)

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