Penrith has dramatically lost five-eighth Jarome Luai and hooker Mitch Kenny on the eve of their clash with Manly.
Luai is battling illness and won’t line up against the Sea Eagles at 4 Pines Park tomorrow night.
Meantime, Kenny failed to complete the captain’s run this morning and is a late withdrawal from the squad.
The late changes have forced Penrith to seek an exemption from the NRL to bring hooker Luke Sommerton into the NRL squad for tomorrow night’s game.
The exemption has been granted.
Jack Cole, who was already in the extended squad, could come in for Luai and play five-eighth. Jack Cogger is also in the extended squad.
Soni Luke is likely to start at hooker.
Penrith will confirm a 19-man squad later tonight before finalising the starting 17 an hour before kick-off tomorrow.
Troy Dodds is the Weekender’s Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia’s leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.
