Penrith hooker and proud Windsor product Mitch Kenny’s motivation to inspire flood victims

Penrith hooker Mitch Kenny is passionate about his Windsor connections and he wants to make his community proud with a big performance against Melbourne in Thursday’s grand final replay.

Penrith hooker Mitch Kenny is passionate about his Windsor connections and he wants to make his community proud with a big performance against Melbourne in Thursday’s grand final replay. Picture: AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts.

Penrith’s Mitch Kenny has plenty to play for in Thursday night’s grand final replay against the Melbourne Storm.

For starters, Kenny wants to use his time as Api Koroisau’s hooker replacement to cement his position in the Panthers’ top 17.

He is also motivated to play strongly against the Storm to inspire his Windsor community after the region has been ravaged by the Sydney floods this week.

Kenny’s mother had to be evacuated from her McGraths Hill home while a lot of his friends have been impacted.

“People have been doing it pretty tough, but the community around the Hawkesbury where I’m from is pretty strong, so they will be alright,” Kenny said.

“Thankfully, it looks like we may have seen the worst of it (the rain), but those people have a lengthy recovery with the process of cleaning up over the next few months.”

Major flooding in Windsor, Sydney where the bridge has been closed. SES Crews, Police and Fire Rescue Patrols are working together to load urgent medical supplies, food and other goods onboard the SES boats to be transported across the River to communities in need of help, in Sydney, Australia. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gaye Gerard

Kenny has been elevated to Penrith’s run-on No.9 jumper with a wrist injury expected to sideline Koroisau until at least round 8.

The Windsor junior only played six NRL games last season while he couldn’t play Canterbury Cup as it was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Kenny made the most of Koroisau’s injury with a strong performance at hooker in a big win over Canterbury.

Now he faces the ultimate challenge against defending premiers Melbourne in a Thursday night blockbuster at Panthers Stadium.

“I didn’t play in the grand final, but it is pretty exciting for myself,” Kenny said about the prospect of taking on the Storm after they defeated the Panthers in the 2020 grand final.

“I’ve never played the Melbourne Storm. Obviously, they have been the benchmark of the competition for so many years and have been world-class.

“It is a cool test to be a part of individually and as a group we are excited to be facing them, especially after the grand final.

“You want to test yourself against the best, so I’m happy to be playing the Storm after their (loss) last week.

“There wasn’t a lot of footy if you weren’t first choice in your position last season.

“Now I get a few weeks to prepare game and I don’t have to be nervous about cramping everything into an 80-minute performance and then missing out for a few weeks.”

Kenny knows he can’t replace Koroisau’s class and premiership-winning experience, but has vowed to bring energy and effort.

The rising No.9 also hopes he can perform to lock in Penrith’s utility position when Koroisau returns from injury.

“In footy, one door closes and another one opens,” he said.

“Api will definitely come back. It is his jersey. For myself, it is about making the most of these next few weeks and then hopefully I can find my way into the 17 from that.”

Originally published as Penrith hooker and proud Windsor product Mitch Kenny’s motivation to inspire flood victims