NRL 2024: Penrith Panthers Mitch Kenny to play in World Club Challenge but still faces ’Boxing Day lines’ punishment

The Panthers have received a boost ahead of their bid to win their first World Club Challenge, but hooker Mitch Kenny is still facing punishment over his ‘Boxing Day lines’ Instagram post.

Penrith hooker Mitch Kenny is set to play in Sunday morning’s World Club Challenge despite a looming ban over his ‘Boxing Day lines’ social media post.

The NRL issued Kenny with a breach notice on February 8 and gave the two-time premiership-winning hooker five days to respond.

That deadline lapsed last week, and it is understood the Panthers asked the NRL to not count the World Club Challenge as part of any potential ban.

It means Kenny will be free to face the Warriors but still face a suspension — possibly for one match — when the NRL finalises the matter.

Penrith hooker Mitch Kenny is set to play in Sunday morning’s World Club Challenge despite a looming ban over his ‘Boxing Day lines’ social media post. Picture: Richard Dobson

The Panthers’ request to have Kenny cleared to play against Wigan shows how seriously they are taking the game as they look to look secure one of the few honours to elude them during their all-conquering run over the past three years.

The Panthers were beaten in the World Club Challenge by St Helens last year and didn’t get the opportunity to play in it the year before due to Covid.

Teams will officially be announced on Thursday (local time), however Panthers coach Ivan Cleary confirmed 20-year-old Jack Cole would wear the No.6 jumper in place of Jarome Luai.

Selected over more experienced playmakers Daine Laurie and Brad Schneider, Cole’s inclusion could be seen as a glimpse into the club’s future when Luai leaves for the Wests Tigers.

The Orange product was also last year given an extension until the end of the 2026 season.

Kenny was issued a breach notice over this Instagram story.

“Jack’s a young player coming through our pathways. He’s had one NRL game a couple of years ago late in the year but come through our junior grades,” Cleary said.

“Showed plenty of promise, had a great pre-season and gets a great opportunity on just about the biggest stage. Looking forward to seeing how he goes. I’m sure he’ll do well.”

Penrith ramped up their preparations on Tuesday (local time) with an opposed session against the Warrington Wolves, now coached by Sam Burgess, at Halliwell Jones Stadium.

Panthers coach Ivan Cleary confirmed 20-year-old Jack Cole would wear the No.6 jumper in place of Jarome Luai. Picture: NRL Photos

Second-rower Scott Sorensen (leg) and front-rower Liam Henry (illness) both failed to train but are expected to face the Warriors.

For Wigan, veteran prop Luke Thompson will miss the match due to concussion, opening the way for a 20-year-old of their own in Harvie Hill to play.

“We think a lot of him, he played 10-12 games last year,” Warriors coach Matt Peet said.

“People have noticed the front-rowers that we’ve recruited in the off-season, and the way things have turned out, we turn to one of our homegrown players, which is brilliant.

“It’s an exciting opportunity for him. It’s sad for Luke and for Sam Walters, but it’s good to see the next one off the rank.”

Hooker Kruise Leeming will also play despite picking up an ankle injury in their opening round win over Castleford last week.

Originally published as NRL 2024: Penrith Panthers Mitch Kenny to play in World Club Challenge but still faces ’Boxing Day lines’ punishment