Penrith prop Sam McKendry is adamant a third knee reconstruction won’t end his career, declaring: “I’ll come back bigger and stronger.”

McKendry is one of the unluckiest players in league history, suffering three ACL tears in as many years to the same knee. The 28-year-old had only just returned from a 617-day lay-off from the previous injuries, only to suffer the same fate in round two against South Sydney.

Long road back: Sam McKendry won't return to the playing field until next season. Credit:AAP

The were fears the latest setback would be a career-ending one given the mental and physical toll another operation would take. But in his first interview, McKendry vowed to return to the NRL again next season.

“I’ve done it before, so I know what I’m in for. I’ll get back to playing next year,” McKendry told Fairfax Media.