Scott Sorensen in massive Panthers boost as Ivan Cleary set to make heartbreaking call

The Panthers' hopes of a four-peat have received a massive boost with Penrith coach Ivan Cleary confirming Scott Sorensen is fit to play in the NRL grand final. Sorensen has been sidelined for the past month with a hamstring issue he picked up in the final round of the season and he has been made to watch on as the defending premiers toppled the Roosters and Sharks.

And on Saturday Cleary uttered the word that would have been music to the New Zealander's ears: "He’ll be playing tomorrow". Sorensen has played 81 games for the Panthers since arriving from the Sharks in 2021, winning a premiership every year he has donned the Penrith colours.

And the Panthers coach knows just how crucial a cog Sorensen is in the Penrith machine. "Yeah it’s awesome (that he is fit to play)," Cleary said. "Sorro’s been a big part of our team the last three years.

“He's a real soldier in our team. He’s like an old man out there as well, a bit of experience and all-around good guy. Everyone was pretty bummed when he got injured a few weeks ago and it looked like that was the end of him this year and he was really devastated. For him to work so hard and get back and for him to be able to make a contribution tomorrow, it’s really good."

But the good news for Sorensen will result in grand final heartbreak for either Matt Eisenhuth or Brad Schneider. Cleary kept his cards close to his chest about who would miss out with Sorensen coming into the team. The Penrith coach simply said "I've got things covered" before admitting it's a "real downer" to have to make the call to cut someone. "You'd love them all to play but they can't unfortunately," Cleary said.

Matt Eisenhuth set to miss out on NRL grand final spot

Both Eisenhuth and Schneider have never featured in an NRL grand final. And seemingly the most likely one to miss out would be Eisenhuth, with Scheider providing crucial cover for Nathan Cleary, who will carry a volatile shoulder injury into the clash.

It would be a crushing blow for Eisenhuth to miss out again as has had to watch Penrith's last three premiership victories from the sidelines as he has been part of the Panthers' reserve-grade side. And as the possibility of Sorensen taking his spot in the grand final side sank in, the 32-year-old said he has come to terms with the fact he could miss out and may never play in an NRL grand final.

"I've been here for three of them and just been on the sideline or been 18th or 19th man," Eisenhuth told AAP earlier this week. "I know if I get the chance to run on the field, it'll be the best (feeling) ever.

"We're all competitive beasts, you are always striving to be in that 17 and sometimes it's not to be and that sucks sometimes. It can frustrate you but you can't kick stones. It's part of footy, every team has its superstars but every team's got the toilers that are in and out and that's me and I'm happy with that.

RELATED:

• Craig Bellamy's stunning $2m sacrifice as Melbourne set for big advantage

• Nathan Cleary lifts the lid on harsh reality check that shaped NRL dynasty

"Me and 'Sorro', we're best mates, like we're both down the Shire together. We drive together every day and some people might think that's awkward, but it's not awkward between us. We knew the situation last week where if he was good to go, then I wouldn't play.

"That's how it is, and we're sweet with that, we're happy for each other either way. If he is out this week and I was playing in my first grand final, he'd be stoked for me."

with agencies