A Record 23 Years in the Making
In a historic Thursday night performance at CommBank Stadium, Penrith Panthers winger Tom Jenkins carved his name deep into club folklore by setting a new single-season try-scoring record. Nicknamed “Milky” by teammates and fans alike, the prolific 25-year-old winger crossed for his 26th try of the 2026 National Rugby League (NRL) season during Penrith’s hard-fought victory over the Parramatta Eels. In doing so, Jenkins officially surpassed the iconic mark of 25 tries set by legendary Penrith fullback Rhys “Sugar” Wesser during the club’s premiership-winning 2003 campaign. What makes the milestone even more remarkable is that Jenkins shattered the 23-year-old record with six rounds remaining in the regular season, cementing one of the most astonishing individual attacking seasons in modern rugby league history.
From Fringe Player to Premier Finisher
Jenkins’ sensational rise to the pinnacle of Penrith’s try-scoring history represents a story of perseverance, patience, and precise positioning. After making his NRL debut for the Panthers in 2022 and enduring a challenging, try-less stint with the Newcastle Knights in 2024, the young winger returned to the Mountain Men’s squad in 2025. His breakout 2026 campaign began with moderate expectations, as he was not originally named to start in the opening round. However, once thrust into the starting lineup, Jenkins unleashed an incredible scoring blitz that stunned observers across the league. Early in the season, he made history by becoming the first player in NSWRL/NRL history to score 12 tries in the opening five rounds, including a four-try masterclass against the Sydney Roosters and a string of multi-try performances that equaled long-standing league records.
The Moment “Milky” Delivered
The record-breaking moment arrived in the 67th minute of a intense Western Sydney derby. With the Eels pushing the defending champions to their limits, Penrith’s elite spine orchestrated a breathtaking sweep down the field. Halfback Nathan Cleary ignited the movement before rookie playmaker Blaize Talagi hoisted a deft kick into the in-goal area. Outside back Paul Alamoti leaped high to produce a superb tap-back into the path of a chasing Jenkins, who calmly secured the bouncing ball to touch down under immense pressure. The try was a masterclass in supporting play and instinctual positioning, traits that have defined Jenkins’ game all year. As Cleary added the conversion to seal the win, teammates mobbed “Milky” to celebrate a truly monumental moment for the club.
Chasing Dave Brown’s Immortal Target
While surpassing Rhys Wesser’s club record marks a monumental career milestone, Jenkins now finds himself within striking distance of even greater historical targets. NRL historians and commentators have turned their attention toward Dave Brown’s all-time competition record of 38 tries in a single season, set way back in 1935 for Eastern Suburbs. While reaching 38 remains a monumental task, Jenkins’ current scoring rate puts him in realistic contention to eclipse modern-era benchmarks, such as Alex Johnston’s 30-try mark set in 2022. Penrith head coach Ivan Cleary praised Jenkins not only for his clinical finishing abilities but also for his unselfish defensive work and consistency across every match. With the Panthers gearing up for another deep finals run, “Milky” Jenkins has proven that he is far more than a flash in the pan; he is now a central pillar of Penrith’s formidable sporting dynasty.