Nathan Cleary has full support for Mitch Kenny, saying critics are wrong when Penrith’s new number 9 replaces premiership-winning star Api Koloisau on Saturday night warns that will be proven.
Coloisau’s move to the Tigers in the offseason opened the door for Kenny to make the starting lineup his own after years on the bench.
Kenny’s greatest strength is defense. Panthers coach Ivan Cleary started Kenny in all three of last year’s Finals games because Kenny ran the ring around defenders gassed with Coloisau coming on 20 minutes after him. Because before, he was able to blunt Penrith’s opponents.
Losing a crafty figure raises questions as to whether Penrith’s reign is coming to an end, but Kenny’s teammates believe he’ll take the role on his own to win three titles in the trot. I support making things.
“They can do what they want, but I’m sure he’ll prove them wrong. I trust him,” Cleary said.
“Api is a big loss. I don’t think there are many players in comps who can do the same as Api, but we need to play to Mitch’s strengths.
“He’s one of our best players and what he’s done for our team is definitely underrated, he’s driving the culture with what we want to be. He’s a hard worker, a good defender, always trying to develop and adapt our style.”
Kenny, 25, has seen comments from detractors online, but he is not swayed by skepticism and believes he has yet to prove himself consistently at this level. Given that, people have the right to question his credentials.
“It doesn’t bother me,” he said.
“He (Koroisau) is one of the best hookers in the game, so I think it makes sense. I don’t really care.
“There’s always pressure, but maybe there’s a little added pressure, especially when it comes to being in a starting role with a team this good. Judging my criticism by such things as
Starting those finals and winning the title has given the local junior a lot of confidence, but he is a big step up from a niche role this season where he clocked 110 minutes in three games. I know that
It’s unclear if he’ll be asked to play 80 minutes at any stage with Jeman Salmon and Soni Luke on deck to ease the load this season, but Kenny says he’ll do the job if needed. Say you have a motor for
“I think it’s in me. I feel pretty good,” he said before the World Club Challenge.
“It’s one thing to be fit and play for 80 minutes, and another to be there for 80 minutes and be effective all the time. in).
Kenny will get the chance to test his new combination with Cleary and the rest of the team in Saturday’s clash with St Helens as the Panthers seek their first World Club Challenge victory.
The past two games have been canceled due to the pandemic, but fans finally got a chance to see the long-running battle between the two-time NRL Premier and four-time Super League champions.
“We haven’t been able to play yet, so this is a unique situation for us,” Cleary said.
“This is a huge challenge and a team like St Helens deserves the utmost respect for winning four incredible comps in a row. This is a great opportunity for us and the club, as there is no
https://thewest.com.au/news/hell-prove-them-wrong-nathan-cleary-backs-mitch-kenny-to-silence-critics-c-9783315 ‘He will prove them wrong’: Nathan Cleary backs Mitch Kenny to silence critics