Penrith Panthers lose hooker Mitch Kenny until NRL finals

Penrith Panthers hooker Mitch Kenny, a three‑time premiership winner, suffered a fractured fibula and syndesmosis injury in April. Although ankle surgery was successful, complications in his rehabilitation have delayed his return, and the club now expects him to miss at least a month and be unavailable until the NRL finals.

Coach Ivan Cleary said Kenny remains a week‑to‑week prospect, while backup No. 9 Freddy Lussick has stepped up for the table‑topping side. The Panthers also face uncertainty over fullback Dylan Edwards, who is recovering from a shoulder injury and may miss the upcoming match against the New Zealand Warriors.