Tom Jenkins will draw upon his high-jumping background when he confronts Mark Nawaqanitawase in a potentially decisive battle above CommBank Stadium.
The competition’s leading try scorer faces arguably the NRL’s most dangerous aerial winger as Penrith and the Sydney Roosters fight for control of the minor premiership race.
Jenkins reveals his hidden aerial advantage
Nawaqanitawase’s rugby union background and imposing frame have made him exceptionally difficult to contain beneath attacking kicks, but Jenkins believes he possesses the skills required to compete with the Roosters star.
Speaking to NRL.com about the anticipated aerial battle, Jenkins revealed that his childhood experience as a high jumper has helped him become a more dangerous target for Nathan Cleary’s kicks.
“He’s such a special talent,” Jenkins said of Nawaqanitawase.
“He’s one of those people who’s a massive aerial threat and I’m excited to go up against him. He’s a quality player and it will be sad to see him leave the NRL at the end of this year because I enjoy watching him.
“I was a high jumper when I was younger, so that puts me in good stead for catching bombs.
“I’ve done a lot of training and put a lot of work into it. Being good in the air brings a different aspect to my game.”
Jenkins may not possess Nawaqanitawase’s height, but his timing and jumping ability have already produced significant results.
Nine of his 28 tries this season have reportedly come from bombs or cross-field kicks, making him far more than a conventional winger waiting for passes in open space.
Roosters preparing an aerial assault
The Roosters have made attacking kicks a central part of their offensive strategy throughout 2026.
Statistics compiled by rugby league historian David Middleton credit them with 21 tries through kicks this season, with numerous other contests generating repeat sets or defensive errors.
Daly Cherry-Evans and Sam Walker repeatedly targeted Canterbury’s back three during the Roosters’ narrow Round 23 victory. Nawaqanitawase and Billy Smith applied the pressure in pursuit, turning otherwise speculative kicks into genuine attacking opportunities.
Roosters coach Trent Robinson confirmed there would be no reason to abandon that approach against Penrith.
“It’s definitely part of our game style,” Robinson said.
“It’s one that we’ve used quite a lot.
“We’ve got two great kickers and we’ve got high-ball catchers, so it’s always going to be part of our game.”
The Roosters appear to possess a height advantage on both sides of the field, meaning Penrith’s wingers and centres can expect to spend much of the evening looking towards the sky.
However, repeatedly kicking towards Jenkins may be dangerous. His athletic background, improved positioning and confidence under pressure give Penrith an opportunity to transform defensive contests into attacking possession.
Jenkins already punished the Roosters
This will not be Jenkins’ first opportunity to test himself against Nawaqanitawase.
The Panthers winger scored four tries when the teams met in Round 3, helping Penrith record a commanding 40–4 victory.
That result provides Jenkins with confidence, but the Roosters have improved considerably since that early-season collapse.
They entered Round 24 level with Penrith on 36 competition points after defeating Canterbury 20–18. Victory at CommBank Stadium would move either side clear at the top and provide a significant advantage in the minor premiership race.
The match will also feature two of the competition’s most influential halfbacks, with Cleary and Walker responsible for creating the opportunities their respective wingers will attempt to finish.
Walker enters the game amid considerable speculation surrounding his contract after negotiations with the Roosters reportedly stalled. The wider implications of that impasse are examined in our analysis of the potential Sam Walker bidding war.
Panthers missing key defensive leader
Penrith will be without Isaah Yeo after the influential lock suffered a pectoral injury.
His absence removes one of the Panthers’ most important defensive organisers for a game in which communication and positioning will be vital.
Dylan Edwards was retained in the extended squad as he pushed to return from a shoulder injury, while Roosters captain James Tedesco was ruled out with an ankle problem.
The absence of Tedesco places additional pressure on the Roosters’ kicking game and their ability to dominate field position. It also increases the importance of Nawaqanitawase, whose carries and finishing ability can help compensate for the loss of their captain.
Jenkins closing in on historic try record
The aerial contest forms only one part of Jenkins’ extraordinary season.
The 25-year-old leads the NRL with 28 tries, three clear of South Sydney’s Alex Johnston heading into the round. He has already broken Penrith’s record for the most tries in a season and is closing in on another individual honour.
Nawaqanitawase won the 2025 Ken Irvine Medal after scoring 24 tries, but Jenkins is now strongly positioned to succeed him as the NRL’s leading try scorer.
The larger target is Dave Brown’s all-time record of 38 tries, set in 1935.
Jenkins would need another 11 tries across Penrith’s final four regular-season games to surpass Brown before the finals. He acknowledged that reaching the record would be difficult and insisted winning remained more important than personal recognition.
“I’d have to score 11 tries in four games,” Jenkins said.
“It’s doable, but it’s a bit far-fetched. At the end of the day, as much as records are cool, winning games is the most important thing.
“I want to do what I can for the team. Saving tries is better than scoring them. We value defence here, so that’s important.”
That attitude will be tested against Nawaqanitawase.
Jenkins may be chasing history at one end of the field, but preventing the Roosters winger from taking control in the air could prove more important than adding another try to his remarkable tally.
Nawaqanitawase approaching final NRL matches
The looming clash carries additional significance because Nawaqanitawase is approaching the end of his time in rugby league.
The 25-year-old will leave the Roosters after the 2026 season to join Japan Rugby League One club Saitama Wild Knights.
His move back to rugby union will give him the opportunity to push for a Wallabies recall ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia. He previously represented the Wallabies 11 times before switching codes.
Nawaqanitawase scored 24 tries to lead the NRL in 2025 and has since represented New South Wales and Australia in rugby league.
The NRL has explored ways to preserve his eligibility for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup before his move to Japan, adding another layer to the final months of his short but memorable league career.
For Jenkins, Thursday’s assignment represents an opportunity to defeat the reigning Ken Irvine Medallist and strengthen his own claim to the title.
For Penrith and the Roosters, the outcome of those aerial contests could determine far more than individual bragging rights. One mistimed jump or perfectly placed kick may ultimately decide which club finishes the night on top of the NRL ladder.
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