SYDNEY, NSW – In a tale redefining resilience, Panthers outside back Thomas Jenkins has capped a stunning six-month rise with an invitation to train with the NSW Blues squad—completing a journey that started this year without a professional contract.
At 24, Jenkins began the 2025 season with his future up in the air. Without a top-level deal, he signed with the St Marys Saints in the Ron Massey Cup, NSW’s third-tier league.
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Rather than viewing it as a setback, Jenkins approached it as an opportunity to prove himself.
“Tom just got to work,” a source close to him shared. “He wasn’t bitter about being out of the NRL—he was focused on fighting his way back, one carry and one tackle at a time. His mindset was top-notch.”
His tenacity and standout form for the Saints quickly turned heads. When the injury-hit Penrith Panthers needed reinforcements, they turned to Jenkins. He grabbed the opportunity with both hands, cementing his place as a reliable and explosive member of the Panthers’ backline.
Now, in a twist few could script, Jenkins’s impressive form has caught the eye of NSW Blues selectors. He’s officially been called into the extended Blues squad for training, firmly placing him in the State of Origin conversation—the sport’s highest honour.
The Ripple Effect:
Panthers Pride: “Tom’s story is everything we stand for—grit, effort, and capitalising on your shot,” said Panthers coach Ivan Cleary. “To go from Ron Massey to Origin contention in half a season… it’s remarkable. We’re thrilled for him.”
Ron Massey Inspiration: His rise has lit up the grassroots level. “It proves to every player in our comp that the dream is very much alive,” said a Ron Massey Cup official. “Perform well, and the doors can open. Tom’s the proof.”
NSW Blues Intrigue: A debut may still be a stretch, but Blues coach acknowledged the power of Jenkins’s journey. “You can’t ignore that level of progress and hunger. He’s earned his spot in camp. Stories like his lift everyone.”
An Unfinished Masterpiece:
Called an “unbelievable comeback that’s still unfolding,” Jenkins’s journey is far from complete. His inclusion in Blues training isn’t just a personal milestone—it’s a source of inspiration for every aspiring player battling in the lower divisions. It shouts that with relentless effort and the right mindset, even the unthinkable is within reach—and can happen fast.
From unsigned to Origin hopeful in under six months, Thomas Jenkins isn’t just playing footy—he’s crafting one of 2025’s most inspirational sporting stories. The NSW rugby league world now watches, eager for what comes next.
