The Agenda Setters Rugby League on Channel 7: Tom Jenkins targets Kangaroos World Cup jersey – Penrith Panthers player Tom “Milky” Jenkins has identified representing Australia at the Rugby League World Cup as a major personal ambition while keeping his immediate focus on Sunday’s clash with Newcastle.
Jenkins discussed his representative goal during an appearance on The Agenda Setters Rugby League, where David Riccio asked whether his strong form had placed him in contention for a green-and-gold jersey.
For Penrith, the conversation comes at the decisive end of the NRL season. Jenkins may be thinking about the international stage, but a preliminary final against a Newcastle side carrying strike power and confidence must come first.
Australia is the representative goal
Jenkins called selection for Australia a “massive goal”. He said he may be eligible to represent another country but believed it would not feel right if he were not playing for Australia.
The Penrith player said he hoped to have another two club matches before World Cup selection became the priority. However, he repeatedly returned the focus to Sunday and the Panthers’ next assignment.
That response underlined the balance facing players during finals football: representative honours may follow, but only after the club season and the immediate elimination risk have been handled.
Newcastle threats demand attention
Luke Keary asked Jenkins where the Newcastle Knights could hurt Penrith. Jenkins described the Knights as a quality team with strike across the field and praised their defensive scramble.
He pointed to Newcastle’s ability to restrict the Warriors’ scoring as evidence of the resistance Penrith should expect. Rather than concentrating on one attacking weapon, Jenkins suggested the Knights could threaten from multiple positions.
Corey Parker then turned the discussion to Kalyn Ponga. Jenkins described the Newcastle fullback as electric and capable of turning a match in a flash.
Penrith will prepare a plan for Kalyn Ponga
Jenkins backed Penrith’s coaching staff and defensive preparation. He said the Panthers regularly developed plans around opposition players across the field and expected Ponga to receive similar attention.
At the same time, he acknowledged that planning could only go so far against a player with Ponga’s instincts. Penrith’s challenge will be to maintain its defensive system when the Knights fullback creates an unscripted opportunity.
The interview featured The Agenda Setters Rugby League panel of Corey Parker, David Riccio, Aaron Woods and Luke Keary. The programme brings rugby league analysis and breaking news to Channel 7 and 7plus.
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