Michael Jennings' hat-trick against Cronulla on Sunday may have come too late for him to keep his spot in the NSW centres - and it will be much to the relief of his Queensland-born coach and captain.

Jennings, who played in the Blues' 28-16 game three win over the Maroons in Brisbane last year, rediscovered his scoring touch with three tries in Penrith's 34-14 win over the lowly Sharks at Toyota Stadium.

However, it is expected the 22-year-old will miss out selection on Monday in favour of either giant Bulldogs star Jamal Idris or Parramatta's Timana Tahu for next week's State of Origin opener in Sydney.

"I was real pleased for Jenko today, he has been training great and his contribution to the team has been fantastic," Elliott said.

"Unfortunately because he has not been scoring tries people don't recognise what he has been doing for us.

"I would be picking him, he gives you some real strike, good footwork and I am sure Pet (Civoniceva) will be happy if he is playing with us next week."

"I am happy with Jenko's defence, his contribution has been miles better than when he made his debut."

Panthers skipper Civoniceva has no selection worries over his spot in the Queensland side and said the omission of Jennings would be welcomed by the Maroons players.

"I will be very happy if he doesn't get picked, I know what he can do when at his best," Civoniceva said.

"It will be great for us if his name is not read out but I am not going to tell them what they are doing wrong."

Elliott was also full of praise for the young fullback Lachlan Coote, who further enhanced his growing reputation with a stand-out performance.

Coote, who stands at 178cm, showed his amazing jumping ability to leap above Blake Ferguson, who is 13cm taller, to set up the Panthers' third try scored by Shane Elford and Elliott said the 20-year-old continues to amaze him.

"He is a one-off, it is quite hard to put your finger on how he does it," Elliott said.

"He is not going to be in the sequel to White Men Can't Jump, that is for sure!"

Cronulla coach Ricky Stuart was left fuming after the game, accusing match officials of showing his side a lack of respect after they laughed at Trent Barrett when he approached them at the start of the second half.

"I send Trent out after halftime to ask the referees 'are we playing under some other interpretations that we haven't been made aware of?" Stuart said.

"And then when the three officials stand there and laugh - that is disrespect.

"If I have sent him out to ask a question I don't expect him to be laughed at in his face, he has got too much respect in the game for that."

Despite the loss, which keeps his side at the bottom of the table, Stuart praised his players for an improved performance in the wake of their 38-0 hammering by St George Illawarra in their last game.

However, he maintained his ire at the officials with a remarkable rant, and accused a sideline official of making snide comments after Ferguson ran into touch.

"When you have a sideline official running down making smart-arse comments, that disturbs me," Stuart said.

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