LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy

Extent of Mitch Kenny's Injury Revealed Ahead of Finals

The Penrith Panthers are reportedly anticipating that Mitch Kenny will return to fitness for Week 2 of the finals, contingent upon a victory against the New Zealand Warriors this weekend.

Kenny's absence came as a surprise when the Panthers' lineup for their trip to Auckland was announced on Tuesday afternoon. The dummy half had been rested along with the rest of the team during Round 26 but returned to play in Round 27 against the St George Illawarra Dragons, contributing to Penrith's seventh-place finish and setting up an elimination final in Auckland.

Although the Panthers have not publicly addressed Kenny's absence for the upcoming match against the Warriors, Peter Lang from the Western Weekender has disclosed that the player is dealing with a "mild hamstring strain" and is expected to miss just one week.

If the Panthers secure a victory this weekend, Kenny will likely be available for the semi-final against the team that loses the qualifying final taking place on Friday night between the Melbourne Storm and Canterbury Bulldogs.

Kenny, a key player for Penrith, will be substituted in the starting lineup this weekend by Luke Sommerton.