Matthew Eisenhuth, one of the most overlooked yet crucial players for the Penrith Panthers, recently spoke about his future at the club and reflected on the heartbreak of missing out on the NRL Grand Finals over the past few years. Since joining the Panthers in 2021, Eisenhuth has become a reliable presence off the interchange bench, contributing significantly to the team’s regular season success. Despite his consistent performances, he has yet to feature in a Grand Final, a fact that has been a source of personal disappointment.
Eisenhuth’s NRL journey began with the Parramatta Eels, but it wasn’t until he moved to the Wests Tigers that he made his first-grade debut at 24, a relatively late start in professional rugby. His debut came after overcoming fears that he might never play at that level, making his current success all the more impressive. Over his career, he has played 131 NRL games, with 61 of those appearances for the Panthers and 70 for the Wests Tigers, including 15 games this season.
As his current contract with the Panthers is set to expire at the end of the season, Eisenhuth remains optimistic about his future. Speaking with Zero Tackle, he expressed his desire to continue playing, emphasizing that he still has a few good years left in him. While acknowledging that the club might have higher-priority players to re-sign, he made it clear that he would prefer to stay at Penrith, provided he can secure a contract that offers him some security. He’s realistic about his situation, admitting that he might have to consider other opportunities if a better offer comes along, but his preference is to remain with the Panthers.
Eisenhuth also opened up about the emotional challenge of not being selected for the Grand Final teams in 2021, 2022, and 2023. The disappointment was particularly intense in 2021, as he had played a significant role in the team’s campaign that year. However, with time, his perspective has evolved. He now appreciates the rarity and privilege of being part of such a successful team, even if he hasn’t been on the field for the final match. Reflecting on his contributions over the past three seasons, he takes pride in having played a part in the team’s journey to three consecutive Grand Finals and their victories in those years.
While he may not have played in the finals, Eisenhuth still feels a strong sense of accomplishment and connection to the team’s success. He celebrates those victories as if he had been on the field, knowing that he contributed to the team’s achievements. These experiences are something he treasures and looks forward to sharing with his children and grandchildren, recognizing that he has been part of something truly special.
Looking ahead, Eisenhuth expressed his willingness to remain with the Panthers beyond this season, valuing his role not just as a player but also as a mentor to younger players rising through the ranks, such as Liam Henry and Mavrik Geyer. While he aims to secure a more regular spot in the team, he understands his role within the squad. He sees himself as someone who steps in when needed, whether as part of the starting team or from the bench, and he doesn’t feel any pressure to replace the regular starters. Instead, his focus is on performing his role to the best of his ability, confident in his contribution to the team’s success.
Eisenhuth’s journey with the Panthers has been marked by resilience and quiet determination. Despite not having the spotlight of a Grand Final appearance, he remains an integral part of the team’s fabric, helping to maintain their dominance in the NRL. His commitment to the club and the pride he takes in his role, even when it doesn’t come with the glory of the big games, speaks to his character and the value he brings to the team. As he looks toward the future, whether at Penrith or elsewhere, Eisenhuth remains focused on contributing to the game he loves, confident that he still has much to offer.
