Self-proclaimed toiler Matt Eisenhuth insists he’s happy to forego a maiden grand-final appearance if it means carpool buddy and Penrith teammate Scott Sorensen takes his place.
Absent from the Panthers’ finals campaign with a hamstring injury, Sorensen has been out of action for the past month.
Eisenhuth has filled in for Sorensen in the time the New Zealand international has been sidelined.
Eisenhuth has been named on the bench for Sunday’s meeting with Melbourne, while Sorensen was listed in Ivan Cleary’s extended squad in jersey No.19.
Sorensen is confident of overcoming an injury-plagued season to force his way into the Panthers’ starting side.
But that could spell disaster for valued clubman Eisenhuth, who has had to watch Penrith’s last three premiership victories as part of the reserve-grade side.
“I’ve been here for three of them and just been on the sideline or been 18th or 19th man,” Eisenhuth told AAP.
“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.”
Scott Sorensen was named on Ivan Cleary’s extended bench for the NRL grand final. (Getty Images: Cameron Spencer)
Eisenhuth was listed in Cleary’s 17 as part of an unchanged side to take on Melbourne.
But should Sorensen pass his fitness test, Eisenhuth knows he is a possible casualty.
“Me and ‘Sorro’, we’re best mates, like we’re both down the Shire together,” Eisenhuth said.
“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.”
Sorensen, along with Penrith halfback Nathan Cleary as he nurses a shoulder injury, was on restricted duties as the Panthers trained on Tuesday.
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The 31-year-old said he was “tracking along well” and was confident he would be available for Sunday’s decider.
“I’m literally ticking boxes at the moment and making sure that I get through my training sessions to hopefully make myself available for Sunday,” Sorensen said.
“I’m feeling good and feeling strong.
“Unfortunately, it’s just the roller coaster that goes with the game sometimes.
“I’m not feeling sorry for myself or anything like that, it’s just the challenge that’s in front of me and I’m doing my best to make sure my body gets to 100 per cent.”
CONFIRMED NRL GRAND FINAL TEAM SQUADS
MELBOURNE
1. Ryan Papenhuyzen, 2. William Warbrick, 3. Jack Howarth, 4. Nick Meaney, 5. Xavier Coates, 6. Cameron Munster, 7. Jahrome Hughes, 8. Tui Kamikamica 9. Harry Grant, 10. Josh King, 11. Shawn Blore, 12. Eliesa Katoa, 13. Trent Loiero, 14. Tyran Wishart, 15. Christian Welch, 16. Lazarus Vaalepu, 17. Alec MacDonald, 18. Grant Anderson, 19. Joe Chan, 20. Kane Bradley, 21. Tepai Moeroa, 22. Sualauvi Faalogo
PENRITH
1. Dylan Edwards, 2. Sunia Turuva, 3. Izack Tago, 4. Paul Alamoti, 5. Brian To’o, 6. Jarome Luai, 7. Nathan Cleary, 8. Moses Leota, 9. Mitch Kenny, 10. James Fisher-Harris, 11. Luke Garner, 12. Liam Martin, 13. Isaah Yeo, 14. Brad Schneider, 15. Lindsay Smith, 16. Liam Henry, 17. Matt Eisenhuth, 18. Casey McLean, 19. Scott Sorensen, 20. Trent Toelau, 21. Daine Laurie, 22. Luke Sommerton
AAP
