The Penrith Panthers are reportedly on the verge of re-signing Mitch Kenny, ensuring he remains with the club past 2027.
Kenny played an instrumental role in the Panthers' premiership triumphs, accumulating four titles with the team, and was in contention for a NSW Blues selection before suffering a serious ankle injury in April.
Recent news from The League Scene suggests that a verbal agreement on an extension is close, reflecting the club's desire to retain him.
While the specifics of the extension remain unclear, the Panthers recognize the importance of securing a player of Kenny's caliber for the long term to fend off competition from rival teams.
The Panthers are bracing for substantial changes beyond the upcoming season, facing the challenge of managing multiple talented stars who are set to be off-contract by 2028.
Retaining all of their championship-winning players is an uphill task, including renowned figures such as Nathan Cleary, Brian To'o, and Isaah Yeo, among others.
As the players' market values rise following their successes, it becomes increasingly challenging for the Panthers to keep all their stars within the salary cap, leading to the departure of significant names like Jarome Luai and Viliame Kikau over the years.
However, the Panthers appear to be making it a priority to secure a key member of their lineup in anticipation of life after Ivan Cleary, who plans to step down as head coach following the 2027 season.