Penrith’s Premiership-winning hooker Mitch Kenny has been served with a breach notice by the NRL in connection with a social media post made over the Christmas period that appeared to reference cocaine.

The player has been specifically charged with bringing the game into disrepute and has until next week to respond to the notice.

Kenny is set to fly to England as part of the Panthers’ campaign to become world champions by defeating Wigan, but now faces a potential suspension or fine.

His post on Instagram read that a “couple of Boxing Day lines have got me in trouble” accompanied by a photo of himself.

Kenny later distanced himself from it, posting “Happy New Year guys. Enjoy and ignore trolls who grabbed my phone. Happy New Year.”

The league’s statement read: “The National Rugby League (NRL) today issued Penrith Panthers player Mitch Kenny with a Breach Notice alleging a breach of the NRL Code of Conduct following an NRL Integrity Unit investigation into a social media post in December, 2023.

“It is alleged Kenny engaged in conduct which has brought the game and his Club into disrepute. Kenny has 5 business days to respond to the Breach Notice.”

The Panthers also issued a statement acknowledging that they were aware of the notice and confirming that they were making no further comments on the matter.