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Kenny missed last week’s trip to Auckland where his side knocked the Warriors out of the finals, but he has been included on an extended bench and is tracking well to play this weekend.

Brad Schneider and Luke Sommerton shared the hooking duties last week, but the latter would likely drop out of the side if Kenny is cleared to return.

Kenny has been a tackling machine in the middle since he replaced the crafty Api Koroisau at hooker, with Cleary praising his ability to stick to his strengths rather than try to copy what his predecessor brought to the side.

“Hopefully (he plays) but he’s still got some work to do. He’s tracking OK so hopefully he gets through the next couple of days,” Cleary said.

“He’s really important (to our team). Since he took over from Api who is still one of the best hookers in the game and was such an important part of our team (he’s been great).

“I think he’s learnt over time to just play to his strengths and style because if it’s good for him, it’s good for us.

“We’ve had to learn to play a different style to what Api brought, but that shows a bit about our team and the evolution over the years.

“You’ve just got to get the best out of your guys, and Mitch brings his best every week. I think that’s one of the great things about him.”

While Kenny is a strong chance of playing, Bulldogs skipper Stephen Crichton needs a miracle to overcome a foot injury he suffered last week that left him on crutches and in a moon boot.

“I don’t know (if he’ll play),” Cleary said of his former star centre.

“We prepare for certain situations with guys coming off the bench, starting or whatever so we’ll be ready no matter what.

“We spend more time worrying about what we’re doing so that’ll be the same this week.”

Crichton is one of several Bulldogs players who are used to playing big games at Accor Stadium, with the Panthers almost used to running out in front of packed crowds at this time of year.

The Bulldogs have played in front of some huge crowds, but they don’t have anywhere near the same big-game experience as the four-time defending premiers.

“There’s no doubt that their home crowd is an advantage,” Cleary said.

“But we have some great memories at this field, and not having to travel this week is a bit of a bonus as well.

“We have quite a number of guys who relish the big crowds and the big occasion. I think any player worth their salt would be looking forward to this game.”

Much has been made of the fact that Crichton, Viliame Kikau, Matt Burton and Jaeman Salmon all used to play for the Panthers, while current coach Cameron Ciraldo was a key assistant to Cleary and helped form their defensive wall.

And while their styles appear similar, Cleary refutes those suggestions.

“It’s probably around coaching and there are obviously going to be some similarities,” he said.

“Ciro had a huge hand in what we did here and of course he’s going to take that with him, and there are a few players who played here.

“But I don’t know if we’re as similar as everyone thinks we are.”