LEAGUE - McKendry steps into the big league

Dargaville's Sam McKendry is set to make a big breakthrough in his rugby league career by making his first-grade debut in the NRL for Penrith against the Warriors tomorrow.
Success with the Panthers has come quicker than expected for the 185cm, 115kg prop, who signed a holding contract with the West Sydney club in 2006 but didn't join the club until the beginning of 2007.
After a year playing in the Jersey-Flegg competition with the club's juniors, the 18-year-old has forced his way into contention at the club with some spectacular performances in the (under-20) Toyota Cup competition.
His mother, Rae Sowter, said his elevation into the top side had come a lot quicker than anyone had expected.
"We were hoping that he would eventually get there maybe next season, but certainly not this season. Considering his age and how long he has been playing the game we were a bit blown away, to be honest," she said.
McKendry played rugby union until he was sent away to study at Mt Albert Grammar in Auckland, where he first tried the league code in 2004 and found it to his liking.
The absence of two frontline props for this week's match has seen Penrith coach Matthew Elliott start McKendry on the bench against the Warriors. Penrith captain Petero Civoniceva is with Queensland preparing for the State of Origin Series, while Kiwi Frank Puletua is recovering from a broken jaw.
The chance to see McKendry play first grade won't be missed by his family, who are flying over to watch the match.
"We could not miss this one, that's for sure, I am a very proud Mum and he's from Dargaville, which is just the sort of encouragement all our Northland boys need.
"It just testifies you can come from anywhere and still make it, even from little old Dargaville," she said.
It will be a baptism of fire for McKendry, with plenty riding on the result.
The Panthers are ninth and the Warriors 11th on the NRL table going into the match but both clubs have 10 points on the table, which is equal to that of the seventh-placed Newcastle Knights.
The winner will most likely move into the top eight, and with only one player apiece involved in the State of Origin series it is a good time to start a winning run in the competition to take advantage of the big-name absences at some of the more badly affected clubs.
Penrith come into the match off an impressive win over the Bulldogs last weekend and it should be a cracking game against the Warriors, who are still a big concern for coach Ivan Cleary on the road.
The onus will be on Penrith's forwards to compensate for their captain's absence against a big and powerful Warriors pack.
As well as the points on offer, and a debut victory for Dargaville's finest, there is also the extra carrot for the home side of celebrating hooker Luke Priddis' 150th game for the Penrith club.