Penrith Panthers prop Sam McKendry has torn an ACL in his comeback game from the same injury.
The 27-year-old former New Zealand international limped from the field just before half-time in Penrith’s 18-6 trial win over Parramatta at Pepper Stadium tonight.
McKendry will have scans on Monday to confirm the doctors’ suspicions that he’s torn his ACL again.
It’s a huge blow for McKendry who Tweeted just this morning that he was gearing up for a huge season.
“Can’t wait to get out on the field tonight with the boys. Pumped for a big season,” McKendry Tweeted.
McKendry tore his ACL mid-way through the 2016 NRL season in a game against Wests Tigers at ANZ Stadium.
Tonight’s game was his first match back on the field for Penrith since suffering the injury.
On a humid night at Pepper Stadium, the Panthers managed to wrestle the match away from the Eels in the second half after the game was tied 0-all at half-time.
Tyrone Peachey and Matt Moylan produced stand-out performances for the Panthers.
It was Penrith’s final hitout ahead of their season opener against St George-Illawarra in a fortnight.
Troy Dodds
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.