Penrith Panthers is delighted to announce Mitch Kenny has agreed to a two-year contract extension with the club.

The new deal means the 21-year-old hooker will remain with Panthers until at least the end of the 2021 season.

“I’m ecstatic to have secured my future here at Panthers,” Kenny said.

“Five weeks ago I was mowing lawns. I’m still pinching myself that I’m in this position.

“From the moment I joined the full-time squad, all the staff and players have been so welcoming and made sure I felt a part of what we’re trying to achieve.

“I don’t think it has completely sunk in yet but to be playing in the NRL for the Panthers is a dream come true.”

The jerseys that made Mitch Kenny

A local junior with Windsor Wolves, Kenny was a member of the Panthers SG Ball side that won the premiership and national championship title in 2016.

He spent the following two seasons in the Panthers under-20s squad and began the 2019 pre-season with aspirations of establishing himself in the club’s Canterbury Cup side.

As the season began, Kenny was working as a labourer with the Panthers Grounds team while also studying a Bachelor of Arts and Education, and training after hours as a member of the part-time squad.

However his strong form in the Canterbury Cup saw him earn promotion to the full-time squad, soon followed by an NRL debut in Round 11 as the Panthers dealt Parramatta their first ever defeat at Bankwest Stadium.

OAK Plus Post Game: Mitch Kenny

“Everyone at Panthers is thrilled that Mitch has made the decision to extend his time at the club,” Panthers General Manager Rugby League Matt Cameron said.

“He displays all the characteristics we’re looking for in our first grade team at this point in time.

“He’s a great example of a local junior who came into the Panthers development system at a young age, progressed through the grades, and has ultimately been rewarded for his hard work and effort.”