Panthers winger Thomas Jenkins has maintained his outstanding form, netting another two tries in a surprising 32-16 defeat against Canterbury. With the Bulldogs surprisingly ahead 16-12 at the start of the second half, Penrith was in need of a game-changing play. Following a crucial try-saving effort from Luke Garner, the Panthers faltered when hooker Mitch Kenny mishandled the ball on the last tackle, allowing Paul Alamoti to pass to Nathan Cleary, who executed a kick from the right side of the field.
In a remarkable display of acrobatics and skill, Jenkins leapt over Marcelo Montoya to score his second try of the evening. Celebrated rugby league legend Andrew Johns, commenting on Jenkins’ abilities, referred to his thriving career in Boorowa, quipping, “He’s got his own shoes out West, Air Milky.” Meanwhile, Queensland coach Billy Slater was left in awe of Jenkins’ aerial prowess, stating, “He gets up there early, full stretch, full speed and still takes possession of the ball … that is an incredible try.”
As a result of his two tries in this match, Jenkins has now achieved a remarkable six consecutive doubles this season, tying him with Alex Johnston’s record. Slater lauded Jenkins, commenting on his exceptional year, which has seen him amass 14 tries throughout the season. This total places him six tries ahead of competitors Dominic Young and Sua Faalogo, marking an impressive feat so early in the season.
Just last week, Jenkins had already set the record for the most tries in the initial five rounds of the competition with 12, while the all-time record for the most tries in a single rugby league season stands at 38, established by Dave Brown. In terms of modern-day performance, Johnston notably reached the 30-try milestone in both 2021 and 2022. Jenkins’ remarkable run of form has not only captured attention but also highlighted his potential impact in future Origin selections.
Overall, Jenkins has emerged as a key player for the Panthers, demonstrating both skill and determination in a challenging match.