LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
The Penrith Panthers will be without hooker Mitch Kenny for the opening match of the season after he learned his fate for a social media post he made at the end of last year.
The 83-game hooker, who has taken over from Apisai Koroisau at the foot of the mountains, found himself in a scandal when a photo with the caption "couple of Boxing Day lines have got me in trouble" was posted on his Instagram story on December 26.
Trying to rectify the situation, Kenny quickly removed the image and posted a clarification, urging his followers to ignore the trolls who allegedly grabbed his phone.
Despite being permitted to play in the club's World Club Challenge match against the Wigan Warriors, The Daily Telegraph now reports that the NRL has handed him a one-match suspension and a $10,000 fine (half of which is suspended) for the ill-advised social media post.
As a result, Kenny will be absent for their opening game against the Melbourne Storm, thus creating an opportunity for Luke Sommerton and Soni Luke to step up and fill his vacant spot for round one.