Footy star Mitch Kenny cops ban for ‘couple of Boxing Day lines’ social media post involving white substance after initially blaming it on ‘trolls who grabbed my phone’

Mitch Kenny will be suspended for the first game of Penrith’s premiership defense after the NRL completed its investigation into his Boxing Day social media post.

Kenny received a breach notice from the NRL earlier this month after posting on his Instagram story on December 27 that “a couple of Boxing Day lines have gotten me in trouble (sic).”

The two-time premiership-winning hooker quickly deleted the post and uploaded a second image that read “Happy New Year guys.” Enjoy and ignore the trolls who stole my phone.’

The NRL is expected to confirm Kenny’s ban later this week but they have told AAP he will not be available for next Friday’s first round clash against perennial heavyweights Melbourne.

Soni Luke, Penrith’s backup hooker last season, is the most likely candidate to start against the Storm, with rookie Luke Sommerton another option.

The Panthers star said his phone had been stolen and the post was made by a ‘troll’

Luke played 20 games for the Panthers last season, all coming off the bench, while Sommerton made his NRL debut late in the year and finished the campaign with two appearances to his name.

Kenny could also face a monetary penalty from the NRL, which handed North Queensland center Valentine Holmes a $25,000 fine and a one-game ban for a similar post made in September.

At Holmes’s stand, he held a small bag containing a white powder in his mouth. The 2016 premiership winner later apologized for it.

Kenny will return for the Panthers’ second round clash against traditional rivals Parramatta.