‘I can’t put into words how much he deserves this’: Scott Sorensen racing the clock to be fit for NRL grand final

Scott Sorensen has a few days to prove his fitness as the luckless back-rower hopes to overcome a hamstring injury in time for the grand final.

Scott Sorensen remains hopeful that he’ll overcome a hamstring injury to take his place in Penrith’s side for the grand final, with the experienced back-rower due some good luck after an injury-plagued season.

The two-time premiership winner has missed both finals matches but will likely be named for Sunday’s showdown with the Storm after completing some fitness drills at Penrith’s fan day on Tuesday.

Matt Eisenhuth is the man most likely to replace Sorensen if he’s out, with the veteran forward sporting an ice pack on his ankle on Tuesday.

Scott Sorensen is racing the clock to be fit for Sunday’s grand final as he continues to recover from a hamstring injury. Picture: Brett Hemmings/Getty Images

“I just aggravated it a little bit during training (before the first finals game),” he said.

“It wasn’t quite back to square one, but I had to get back into rehab and make sure it was strong so I could make myself available for the weekend just gone. That wasn’t to be, but that’s all right.

“Everything is tracking along well.

“I’m literally ticking boxes at the moment and making sure that I get through my training sessions to hopefully make myself available for Sunday.

“I’m feeling good and feeling strong.”

Fellow edge forward Liam Martin got emotional talking about Sorensen, who came off the bench and scored a try in the 2022 grand final and then started on the left in last year’s decider.

“I can’t even put into words how much he deserves this,” Martin said.

“I love him. He’s worked so hard, and to try to get back fit and ready for the game, I’m keeping all my fingers and toes crossed that he’ll be there.

“I know he’ll be doing everything in his power to be there.”

Sorensen has been restricted to just 15 games this year, with the New Zealand international ruled out of the World Club Challenge with a leg injury back in February.

“Unfortunately, it’s just the rollercoaster that goes with the game sometimes,” he said.

“It can all be going well but sometimes it can be a little bit harder than that. I’m not feeling sorry for myself or anything like that, it’s just the challenge that’s in front of me and I’m doing my best to make sure my body gets to 100 per cent.”

The Panthers have had to deal with injuries to key personnel all season. Picture: Brendon Thorne/Getty Images

Injuries have been the theme for the Panthers this year, with Nathan Cleary dealing with hamstring and shoulder issues, while Dylan Edwards and James Fisher-Harris have also been out.

But that hasn’t stopped them from reaching a fifth grand final in a row, with the Panthers 80 minutes away from a fourth premiership in as many years.

“There’s a shared responsibility (among us) and it’s a credit to the staff and the boys because when they’re out, they’re doing everything they can to get back in,” Sorensen said.

“That gives other boys opportunities as well which is a positive out of it.

“No one likes to be injured and on the sidelines, but sometimes that’s the rocky rollercoaster with rugby league.”

Originally published as ‘I can’t put into words how much he deserves this’: Scott Sorensen racing the clock to be fit for NRL grand final