Penrith prop Sam McKendry tears his ACL for the third year in a row

THE unluckiest player in the NRL, Penrith prop Sam McKendry, is out for the rest of the season after sustaining his third ACL tear in as many years.

Sam McKendry of the Panthers, injured during the Wests Tigers v Penrith Panthers NRL round 17 game at ANZ Stadium, Sydney Olympic Park. pic Mark Evans

THE unluckiest player in the NRL, Penrith prop Sam McKendry, is out for the rest of the season after sustaining his third ACL tear in as many years.

McKendry, who tore the same ACL in 2016 and 2017, was confirmed to have suffered the injury on Monday afternoon after going down in the Panthers’ win over South Sydney on Saturday.

McKendry tore the same ACL in 2016 and 2017.

The former Kiwi Test prop had made his NRL return in Round 1 after 617 days out of first grade.

McKendry made his debut for Penrith in 2008 and is currently the club’s longest serving player.

“It’s unbelievably sad news for Sam and his family,” Panthers general manager Phil Gould said.

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“He has worked so hard on overcoming this injury before.

“It’s a huge blow for our club as well. Sam really looked like he was getting back to his best.

“As always we will ensure Sam gets the best of medical advice and care. But sometimes this game just isn’t fair.”

The news is a further blow to Penrith’s forward depth, with the in-form McKendry joining Tim Browne on the sidelines.

Browne was taken to hospital after suffering a ruptured bowl during the reserve grade clash with North Sydney last week.