Penrith's premiership push has been rocked by a hamstring injury to hooker Mitch Kenny as coach Ivan Cleary drops Tom Jenkins for the elimination final against the Warriors.

The Panthers have been forced to name Luke Sommerton at No.9 in just his 12th NRL game as they continue their quest for a fifth consecutive premiership.

Kenny's hamstring strain is a week-by-week proposition, with the three-time premiership winner a chance to line up should Penrith progress to week two of the finals.

The hooker's leadership was pivotal to the Panthers' remarkable resurgence in the testing State of Origin period this year, so his absence looms as a big blow.

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Kenny has been omitted from the 22-man squad altogether, meaning he is no chance to make a late rush into the team for the trip

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