Veteran Panthers forward Brent Kite has probably played more finals matches than most of his teammates put together.
After playing finals footy with the Dragons earlier in his career, Kite then enjoyed some hugely successful runs with the Manly Sea Eagles culminating in four Grand Final appearances.
When the 33-year-old joined Penrith earlier this year for his 13th NRL season, Kite would’ve wondered if his streak of playing finals footy may have come to an end.
He joined a club that hadn’t appeared in a finals campaign since 2010, and according to some so-called experts, were still a few years off from appearing in another.
“I knew the team was on the improve and I had high hopes. It’s just pleasing to see that the guys are all playing to their potential,” Kite admitted.
But even though the Panthers were assured of a finals spot a month out from the season ending, there was still a huge question mark over Kite’s availability after he tore his pectoral muscle in Penrith’s win over Canterbury in Round 21.
“I was meant to be out for the season but luckily the tear in the pec was in the muscle and not in the ligament, so that was handy. It was the longest lay off I’ve had for nearly my whole career, four matches, but I feel fresh,” he said.
“When I came back I was a little bit nervous having not played for a little while but I got through OK.”
Kite knows he’ll be one of the go-to guys for his teammates this finals series, especially the younger ones who would’ve grown up watching him charge into the defensive line during his days with the Dragons and Manly.
“I think the young guys are up for it… we’ve got some class players here and it’s a good feeling when you have guys like that around enjoying their footy,” Kite said.
“It’s great to be playing footy at this time of year.”
