Panthers flyer Thomas Jenkins faces the brutal prospect of being left out of Penrith’s NRL team to start this year after enjoying a breakout season in 2025. The 24-year-old scooped two awards at Penrith’s end of season presentation night last year, including the Members’ player of the year gong. But he was axed by coach Ivan Cleary ahead of their finals series.
Jenkins was one of the feel-good stories in the NRL last year after scoring 13 tries in 21 games, having started 2025 in the third-tier Ron Massey Cup. A number of injuries at the Panthers saw him brought into first-grade in Round 3, and Jenkins played every regular season game that followed.
But the classy outside back was dropped for the elimination final against the Warriors in week one of the playoffs, with Paul Alamoti preferred on the wing. Jenkins was subsequently overlooked for the next two finals games as Penrith’s quest for a fifth-straight premiership ended at the hands of Brisbane in the preliminary final.
Alamoti scored a double in that game and was excellent for Penrith throughout the finals series. And he looks to have nailed down one of the two wing spots for Penrith, alongside NSW Origin star Brian To’o. Jenkins is also an excellent centre but the competition for places in coach Cleary’s starting 13 is just as fierce there. Casey McLean has all but cemented one of the centre roles after scoring 16 tries in 23 games for the Panthers last season, as well as starring for the Kiwis in their Pacific Cup triumph.
And three-time premiership winner Izack Tago is expected to be the other starting centre, as one of coach Cleary’s most trusted outside backs. Tago did have an up-and-down season in 2025 though, with just seven tries in 25 games.
Thomas Jenkins overlooked in Penrith’s best 17 lists
But a host of publications, including the NRL’s own website, have overlooked Jenkins when naming their best 17-man squads for Penrith in 2026. And his expected omission could leave the 24-year-old’s career at a crossroads, if Jenkins can’t secure a regular starting role at Penrith this year.
Jenkins is off-contract at the end of 2026 and therefore able to speak with rival clubs about a potential switch in 2027, when the Perth Bears enter the competition. Mal Meninga’s Bears have been busy putting together their maiden NRL roster in recent weeks and will no doubt be keeping a close eye on the Jenkins situation.
