On-field coach: How injury torment gave Kenny a unique outlook for finals bid
- Author
- Timestamp
Panthers hooker Mitch Kenny has declared he is ready to make up for lost time throughout the finals series after making a successful return from a five-month injury lay off.
The forward broke his leg in Penrith's Round 7 win over the Dolphins, the injury triggering a lengthy recovery process that challenged him both physically and mentally.
Kenny made a long-awaited return to the field in last week's win over the Tigers and he's emerged as the Panthers wildcard leading into Sunday's final against the Roosters at CommBank Stadium.
Kenny: Grateful to play out the cobwebs
"It's been a long time coming and I wasn't a great watcher of the team those last few weeks," Kenny said. "I've been needing to get back out there so it felt good to do it on a day we honoured John Farragher and secured the minor premiership.
"I wanted nothing but success while I was out and really enjoyed watching Billy Scott debut and Freddy Lussick made the position his own and did a tremendous job for us.
"I'm grateful to be back on the field, to get a game before finals and be trusted by Ivan to go straight back into the team means a lot."
Match: Panthers v Roosters
Finals Week 1 -
home Team
Panthers
1st Position
away Team
Roosters
4th Position
Venue: CommBank Stadium, Sydney
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
Kenny was initially facing an 8-12 week layoff before a setback in the recovery process delayed his return further and he ultimately spent 20 rounds on the sidelines.
While he'd have preferred to be on the field, the hooker had the chance to watch the game from a different perspective and even received an early taste of what it takes to be an NRL coach.
"I would have rather been playing but everything happens for a reason and there's always a silver lining," Kenny said. "It was an opportunity to look at the game a bit differently and learn about a different side of the game while also giving my body time to freshen up.
"I am interested in coaching but it was pretty stressful watching games with Ivan in the coaching box. I've had the pleasure of being around Ivan, who's going to go down as a legend, and blokes like Peter Wallace and Ben Harden so it was a great environment to learn off those guys."
Kenny will start at hooker on Sunday afternoon, with Billy Scott likely to inject energy off the bench as was the case last weekend. Lussick has also been named on the six-man bench, giving Cleary options with his forward rotations.
With so much talent spread across the park, Kenny has the skills to unlock the players around him as the Panthers look to kick off their finals campaign with a win.
Jenkins: 'You're always an equal' in this team
While he's only been back on the park for one game, the hooker's teammates have already noticed the impact of his return.
"He's had a bumpy road through it all but it hasn't shown," veteran forward Scott Sorensen said. "He's turned up every day with a positive headspace and a positive attitude and he's quite a character within our team.
"We value that and he's brought that every day while he bided his time and done the work. I'm very proud of him and happy he's returned to the field."
After 27 epic rounds, it all comes down to this. One play can define a season. These are the moments that matter. The Panthers need your support as they chase premiership glory. Click here to secure your seats and get behind your team.
