BREAKING: Penrith panthers make hit with unexpected good news

With regular dummy-half Mitch Kenny serving a ban after breaching the league’s code of conduct with an Instagram post, Sommerton has been given the nod for the match against the Melbourne Storm.

Soni Luke – who can also play at hooker – is currently listed on the bench.

There were reports in the offseason that Sommerton had signed a new deal with Penrith, but as it stands, he is not officially part of the club’s top 30 squad.

He is expected to earn a contract upgrade in the near future as the Panthers continue life without Api Koroisau. 

Sommerton made his NRL debut for Penrith in Round 24 last year, becoming the club’s 617th first grade player.

He has progressed through the lower grades over the past few years at the foot of the Mountains and is reaping the rewards.

The 23-year-old played SG Ball for the Roosters, before toiling away in Ron Massey Cup for St Mary’s for a number of years before pushing his way into NSW Cup for the Panthers.

Sommerton starred in the No. 9 jumper in reserve grade last season.

In a niche statistic that could offer an insight into his playing style, Sommerton ran for over 1,000 metres last season in the lower grades – more than any other player in his position.