NRL 2024: Why Panthers star Matt Eisenhuth is the unluckiest player in Penrith

Penrith star Matt Eisenhuth has been there for the Panthers’ three-peat, but has no premiership rings to show for it. Now he’s hoping to finally etch his name in the history books.

He’s the three-time premiership winner – with no rings to show for it.

Which makes Penrith prop Matt Eisenhuth both one of the best break-glass-in-case-of-emergency players in the league, and one of the unluckiest ones.

Since joining the club in 2021 after a four-year stint at the Wests Tigers, Eisenhuth has played 64 games for the Panthers. But not one of them has been in a grand final.

In fact, whether through omission or injury, Eisenhuth has only played three finals games in Penrith’s four premiership campaigns, including last week’s preliminary final triumph.

And even though he’s again been named in the 17-man line-up for Sunday’s anticipated showdown against Melbourne, it’s still no guarantee he’ll run out.

Matt Eisenhuth. Picture: NRL Imagery

Not with good teammate and commute partner Scott Sorensen a chance of proving his recovery from a hamstring injury and being promoted from the extended bench.

“I’m happy to be that guy where if I need to come in and do a job, I’ll come in to do the job. But I won’t be kicking stones if come the big day I’m left out,” Eisenhuth said.

“Still a little water to go under the bridge. I got a start for the first semi-final because Scott (Sorenson) was ruled out. But he has been racing the clock to try and get back.

“It’s going to be a week where I won’t know till a bit later on into it, but it probably won’t change too much for myself.”

After feeling the heartbreak of missing the first of Penrith’s premiership wins in 2021 against South Sydney, Eisenhuth is the quintessential back-up player.

And at 32 years of age, he’s content with his contribution to the modern-day dynasty.

Matt Eisenhuth. Picture: NRL Imagery

“My name might not be in the history books, but I have played a part in the last three years, and I’m happy with that,” Eisenhuth said.

“I obviously would rather be playing but I know that throughout the year I have played my role whenever I had too.“

With selection in this weekend’s clash against Melbourne, Eisenhuth will tie his best season at the club (2021) with 19 games for the year.

Apart from captain Isaah Yeo, Eisenhuth has the least amount of missed tackles for any Penrith forward named in the 17 for the Grand Final.

Matt Eisenhuth. Picture: NRL Imagery

“I’m more comfortable in that role, getting brought in when called upon. Maybe it comes with a bit of maturity when you’re older,” he said.

“Every year you’re here, you grow.

“Getting to know the system was hard. But I’m more comfortable now, and really enjoying my time here, and I guess that is showing in the footy.”

Eisenhuth’s arrival at Penrith came after four seasons at the Wests Tigers, where he made his first grade debut under then-coach Ivan Cleary.

He reunited with Cleary at the Panthers just after their first of five straight grand finals.

“It seems so long ago my time at the Tigers,” Eisenhuth said.

“I was just a rookie there and you don’t really know what else is out there or how other teams go about their business until you leave.

“I’m lucky enough I left a club that was going through the wars a bit and struggling, having some tough times, and I have come to a club where it has been nothing but success.”

Eisenhuth isn’t the only player in this week’s grand final to have to leave a club to find success, with nine others seeking second, or even third chances.

Originally published as NRL 2024: Why Panthers star Matt Eisenhuth is the unluckiest player in Penrith