Mitch Rein’s Penrith Panthers future uncertain after failing to crack NRL squad

MITCH Rein faces an uncertain future at Penrith despite having signed a two-year contract at the foot of the mountains.

Rein joined the Panthers from St George Illawarra during the off-season with high hopes of reinvigorating his career.

However, he is yet to make his NRL debut for Penrith and has found himself languishing in the NSW Cup ranks.

Mitch Rein has yet to start an NRL game for the Panthers. Picture: Jenny Evans

This is largely due to the presence of NSW Origin hopeful Peter Wallace, who has made the starting hooker position at the Panthers his own in recent seasons.

It’s understood Rein is frustrated, as he feels he still has plenty to offer at the highest level.

Mitch Rein (ball) has been stuck behind Peter Wallace. Picture: Melvyn Knipe

The ex-Dragon was reportedly seeking a release to join a rival club, however this has been denied by his manager George Mimis.

That’s not to say that Rein wouldn’t consider a release if it meant he could play regular first grade, which barring injury seems unlikely at Penrith.

In addition, the Panthers are currently juggling their salary cap and have to move on a number of players in their top 30 squad for 2018 and beyond.

Rein, who is on a decent two-year contract, could come under the microscope.

However, it’s more likely that his strong desire to play NRL would be the major reason he would consider leaving Penrith with a year remaining on his contract.

I think its a tough situation for Rein. He went to Penrith I believe thinking he would be the starting hooker, and that hasn't happened, Wallace even though he is ageing appears in good form. Penrith also have some small cap issues and the abundant talent they have cannot all be kept. It would be no surprise if 3-4 blokes move on in search of first grade football. Rein is not a superstar by any means, but he is clearly better than anything we have at our disposal at hooker.

The knockers will say he was shit at St George, but seriously did anyone stand a chance last year playing along side Benji Marshall??? Last year dragons fans wanted Widdop punted as well. The crab is gone and St George found their mojo. I'd be happy if Parra pursued Rein. Two years with an option would be good and that would allow De Gois and King to be let go at seasons end.

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Replies

ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER April 21, 2017 at 2:40pm

If he does leave i hope we get him
Yendy Lewen April 21, 2017 at 2:46pm

I think its a tough situation for Rein. He went to Penrith I believe thinking he would be the starting hooker, and that hasn't happened, Wallace even though he is ageing appears in good form. Penrith also have some small cap issues and the abundant talent they have cannot all be kept. It would be no surprise if 3-4 blokes move on in search of first grade football. Rein is not a superstar by any means, but he is clearly better than anything we have at our disposal at hooker.

The knockers will say he was shit at St George, but seriously did anyone stand a chance last year playing along side Benji Marshall??? Last year dragons fans wanted Widdop punted as well. The crab is gone and St George found their mojo. I'd be happy if Parra pursued Rein. Two years with an option would be good and that would allow De Gois and King to be let go at seasons end.
- Rise of an empire > Yendy Lewen April 21, 2017 at 4:46pm
  
  X100 Yendy
Tragiceel April 21, 2017 at 4:46pm

I think we should be chasing Moses Mbye, the Dogs are said to be shopping him around even though he has 3 years left on his contract. He could be the answer to our Hooker problem and a great backup half if injuries strike. According to a SMH article Mbye, the Morris twins and Graham are all on the outer.
This reply was deleted.
- Wizardssleeves official receipts April 21, 2017 at 5:10pm
  
  id take Rein over Peats as well . Peats is plagued by injury and will demand top dollar which he just ain't worth . I reckon I'd take Reynolds over both of them @ Hooker .
Fiddy April 21, 2017 at 5:07pm

I think robson to hooker when he returns could be a good option
alexeel17 April 21, 2017 at 5:23pm

We should go after lichaa
Apache Rose Peacock April 21, 2017 at 5:44pm

I have to agree with rein over peats and Kaysa. One thing is defenitely clear, kaysa is not first grade standard
- This reply was deleted.
  - Apache Rose Peacock April 21, 2017 at 9:19pm
    
    That may be true, but unfortunately hooker is an 80 min position. All the tops teams have them, Smith, Hodgson, Friend etc
- Frank The Tank > Apache Rose Peacock April 22, 2017 at 12:53am
  
  Agreed.....