Player Media Recap: Round 16

Fresh off securing his long-term future at Penrith, Tom Jenkins joined Blaize Talagi to preview Saturday's clash with the Titans, with both players backing the Panthers' depth to handle any late Origin disruptions.

Tom Jenkins started the week with the kind of news that had been a long time coming. The Panthers winger, and the competition's leading try-scorer, has committed his future to the club until at least the end of the 2029 season.

"It feels really good, as it's a long process and difficult at times, but good to have done, and stoked to be staying here," Jenkins said of the extension. Asked whether the security of a long-term deal takes any of the weekly pressure off, he was quick to wave that off. "It feels good not having to fight for a contract, but in saying that, I still must fight for a spot each week. The goal doesn't change."

It was a piece of simple good news in a week that's otherwise been dominated by uncertainty. The bigger story hanging over the build-up is Wednesday night at the MCG, where Isaah Yeo, Nathan Cleary and Brian To'o have lined up for New South Wales looking to close out the series against Queensland.

Breakout Origin I star Casey McLean was also ruled out of the series entirely this week with a quad strain, a cruel blow for the 20-year-old who'd looked completely at home on the biggest stage.

Talagi has had plenty of practice dealing with exactly that kind of upheaval already this season, having taken the field for Penrith's recent win over the Warriors with the entire Origin contingent missing. He said the experience has the group well prepared for whatever team sheet they're handed this week. "It's definitely different without the Origin boys, but it's sort of a challenge that everyone embraces," he said. "Everyone steps up and we enjoy it."

The five-eighth was just as wary of underestimating Saturday's opponent, despite the Titans' patchy form. "They're definitely a team you don't want to take lightly, and we definitely won't, so we're looking forward to the challenge," Talagi said. "All we plan to do is go out and play our best footy."

It's McLean's absence, though, that's clearly hit hardest on a personal level. The young centre has built a close bond with Talagi on Penrith's left edge, and the disappointment in his teammate's voice was obvious.

"Devastated for him, as he had a chance to start in Origin, but he'll be alright, and we're all getting around him currently," Talagi said. Asked to sum it up, he didn't need long: "Next man up mentality."

Jenkins echoed much the same sentiment when pushed on what happens if the Origin trio aren't released in time. "Hopefully the boys get through Wednesday all well and healthy, and then the call will be made by Ivan," he said. "But if they don't end up coming back, oh well it’s just the next man up, and the boys who do come will jump on that opportunity."

He pointed to squad depth as the difference-maker through a stretch of the season that's already cost Penrith plenty of player availability between Origin, byes and injuries. "Momentum is obviously ideal, it just gives the whole group a lot of confidence, and the boys who come in bring that confidence and are ensuring they're doing their role," Jenkins said.

Like Talagi, Jenkins didn't hide his disappointment over McLean's situation, while pointing out how well the youngster has handled it. "Obviously devastated for Casey, as Origin is perfect for him and how he is so young but thriving in that arena," he said. "He's taking it very well and is very mature for someone as young as himself."

The conversation inevitably turned personal for Jenkins too, whose try-scoring form this year had plenty of judges floating his name around the Origin selection table. He was candid about how much it stings to watch from the outside, and how much fuel it's added to his game. "It's obviously so cool, and obviously a dream to play Origin, and I would have loved to be there now," he said. "But at the end of the day it's up to Laurie and his coaching staff, and now it's a goal for years looking forward, and even Game Three. If a call comes, a call comes, but for now I'm just focusing on the next job."