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Lost keys: Panther's unique aftermath to 2023 NRL GF

George ClarkeAAP
As teammates celebrated the 2023 NRL title, Scott Sorensen was searching Accor Stadium for keys. (James Gourley/AAP PHOTOS)
Camera IconAs teammates celebrated the 2023 NRL title, Scott Sorensen was searching Accor Stadium for keys. (James Gourley/AAP PHOTOS) Credit: AAP

Penrith forward Scott Sorensen has two wishes this week.

The first is that he passes a late fitness test on a troublesome hamstring issue to lead the Panthers to a fourth-straight NRL premiership with a win over Melbourne on Sunday.

And if Penrith succeed, his second wish is to celebrate with his teammates rather than frantically search Accor Stadium for his wife’s car keys.

Sorensen’s celebrations of last year’s premiership were delayed when his wife, Elle, approached him in a panic and was mortified to tell him she couldn’t find her keys.

While his fellow Panthers made a start on celebrations, Sorensen was looking through the grandstand but had no luck.

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Defeated, he gave up and went back to his car in preparation to call out a locksmith on a public holiday.

That was until he tried the door of his car and it popped open.

“She had left them on the front seat,” Sorensen said.

“I was running around trying to find the keys for her (and) the poor thing had the two kids in the sheds enjoying themselves, and she thought she lost her keys.

“I went out and checked where she was sitting and we got to the car park, and here they are sitting in the front seat … door unlocked.

“Don’t remind my wife because she wants to forget that one.

“She’s done that a few times getting the kids out to the game and leaving the doors open, she’s left keys on top of the roof out here at Penrith. That’s just her, that’s the way she is.”

Sorensen said earlier in the week that he was confident he would get the green light to feature against the Storm after missing Penrith’s run to the finals with injury.

That would offer the versatile New Zealand international a chance to send left edge partner Jarome Luai out on a high.

“He’s been one of the originals here for quite some time,” Sorensen said.

“His leadership has gone through the roof in the last 12 months… I love the bloke on and off the field.

“I’ve been out for a few weeks this year, but I’ve been able to watch him grow and develop and take on more responsibility.

“It’s going to hurt when he leaves, but we’ve got one more week with him.”

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