An epic battle is looming this weekend as the Panthers prepare to take on the Storm in the NRL grand final and one player hoping to be a part of it is Mountains-born Tom Eisenhuth.
He made his first grade debut with the Panthers at 20 then injuries meant he had to wait more than six years to play his second NRL game, only to suffer a fractured larynx during his Storm debut, ending up in an induced coma.
The former St Columba's student, Eisenhuth, now 28, had another bumpy ride when he was dropped at the last moment from Friday night's clash against the Raiders, despite playing most of the season.
"I only found out after our chat that Dale [Finucane] was going to be alright to play," he said. "Always hopeful about this week, but not sure what the plan is yet."
Eisenhuth played with Lower Mountains Junior Rugby League. "Poorly timed injuries" stopped his first grade career early on, but he said "somehow I wasn't finished". He said it will be a little unusual to play against his former NRL club.
"It was always the team I cheered for. But If I get the opportunity I will be able to put it aside for 80 minutes for sure," he said laughing.
He's been in a COVID-induced bubble on the Sunshine Coast this year and is looking forward to spending time with his Mountains family when it is all over.
"They are on [the Storm] bandwagon for sure."
