Penrith hooker Mitch Kenny has offered a hilarious response to a wild rumour about Nathan Cleary’s playing future as the Panthers gear up for their preliminary final clash with the Sharks.
The 26-year-old was asked about a report from the Daily Telegraph’s Phil Rothfield which addressed rumours the star halfback was eyeing a move to the Super League to be closer to partner, Matildas star Mary Fowler, who plys her trade at Manchester City.
“Is that right that Nathan Cleary might be going over to the Super League to have a little sojourn over there so that he can be closer to Mary Fowler,” Fox League’s James Hooper probed in a light-hearted inquest.
Watch the best coverage of the 2024 NRL finals, with expert analysis and every game until the Grand Final LIVE with no ad-breaks during play, on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial today >
IMAGINE WHAT YOU COULD BE BUYING INSTEAD. For Free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.
MORE NRL NEWS
‘PROVES DOESN’T MEAN MUCH’: Legends slam Ponga’s snub amid ‘life’ ban calls
‘SAME CONVERSATION’: Where Cleary ranks in coach GOAT debate amid dynasty
SON OF A GUN: NRL legend’s son with Roosters, Blues links signs with rival code
‘EXPECT TO BE PERFECT’: Slater hits back at Walsh critics amid $4.4m Broncos deal
“Yeah, three years, Warrington,” he said, drawing a laugh from the panel.
“Surely you’ve been giving him bit of crap over the last few days, poor old Nath?” Braith Anasta replied
“I caught onto it late,” Kenny responded.
“I didn’t see this, I didn’t realise it was going around. I sort of missed the boat aye.”
Speaking as the Panthers prepare for their fifth preliminary final this decade against the Sharks, Kenny revealed the reigning premiers were motivated to add a fourth consecutive title to their trophy cabinet by the stars moving on at season’s end: Jarome Luai, James Fisher-Harris and Sunia Turuva.
“They’ve been such a big part of this squad for the last few years and we’ve been fortunate enough to send some of our brothers out on a high as well. We want the same for Romes (Luai) (and) we want the same for Fish (JFH),” he said.
“They’ve been vital in what we’ve been doing here the last few years. We feel like we owe it to them to make sure they leave on that sort of note.”
In an ominous warning to the Sharks, Kenny revealed Penrith “feel like there’s more in us,” noting how Ivan Cleary’s men have used the last fortnight to fine tune aspects of their game.
“Even though we played a good game against the Chooks there was certainly areas of that game that we felt like can improve on, so the last two weeks we’ve sort of looked at that and tried to double down on what we do well and also work on what we think we can get better (at),” the hooker said.
“Hopefully we can deliver our best performance of the year this weekend.”
Standing in the way of Penrith and the grand final is a Sharks side that seemed to rediscover their mojo against the Cowboys in the semi finals.
Even with Jesse Ramien and Kayal Iro expected to miss the clash, Kenny stressed their opponents have “so many threats across the park and so many guys that deserve our respect.”
When they’re on they’re probably the most dangerous team in the competition, that’s led by their halves who are in great form at the moment.
“You can’t just focus your attention on one person.”
Remarkably, the two-time premiership winner revealed he, like Sharks prop Toby Rudolf, struggled with imposter syndrome during his formative first grade years.
“It took a lot of work not to feel like an imposter in such a good squad,” he said.
Is Kalyn Ponga eligible for New Zealand? | 07:19
“There were a few teething issues but I always had the best teammates I could ask for around me, I was in the best system, I had the best resources in terms of my coaches and things like that.
“So I had a lot of people to lean on and help me develop and help me feel like I was part of this squad and that I could be a valuable member of this team.
“It’s just about trying to stack days and put the work in and hopefully the results will speak for themselves.”
With the Panthers on the cusp of a historic four-peat, some have questioned just how exactly the club keeps sustaining consistently high levels of performance and success.
For Kenny, the answer is simple: “I just don’t really think any of us want it to stop.”
“We all feel, individually and as a team, that there’s more we can get out of ourselves and go to new heights.
“We’re just constantly chasing that.”
Source Agencies
