Penrith Panthers' outside back Thomas Jenkins has made a surprising admission regarding his exclusion from the 2025 finals series.
After departing from the Newcastle Knights, Jenkins began the year on a Ron Massey Cup contract at St Mary's but quickly ascended through Penrith's ranks, joining the NRL side unexpectedly in the first part of the season.
His entry resulted in a fluctuating lineup for Penrith's outside backs, as players like Paul Alamoti and Izack Tago missed games, and others faced injuries throughout the season.
However, Jenkins found himself dropped from the roster during the finals series, missing the elimination match against the New Zealand Warriors, as well as the semi-final against the Canterbury Bulldogs and the preliminary final where they lost to the Brisbane Broncos.
Coach Ivan Cleary chose to field Paul Alamoti, Brian To'o, Izack Tago, and Casey McLean, along with fullback Dylan Edwards, in his stead.
In an interview with NRL.com, Jenkins candidly shared his perspective on the situation.
"Ivan was always open with communication," he stated in his remarks.
"He makes the toughest calls in the game when it comes to the team, so I just back him 100%."
"He's always open, he's always honest, and that's what I need as a player and he's always given me that."
"I have full faith in him and he gives me full confidence that I can go out there and do a job if I'm picked."