Panthers coach Ivan Cleary reveals why he made shock decision to scratch Sunia Turuva against Cowboys

Penrith Panthers coach Ivan Cleary has revealed he ruled out Sunia Turuva for Saturday night’s game against the Cowboys because his contract negotiations took an emotional toll on the youngster.

Earlier this week, the Tigers confirmed they had signed the 21-year-old winger to a three-year contract starting next year, worth an estimated $1.3 million.

Just hours before Penrith took the field against the Cowboys, Turuva was dismissed and replaced by Paul Alamoti.

“Sunia didn’t play mainly because he was making a decision about his contract and he was still negotiating,” Cleary said.

“So this is something that has been going on for a few weeks. I think people don’t really understand how much it can deprive someone, especially a young man making such an important decision.

Ivan Cleary (pictured) has revealed he ruled out Sunia Turuva for the Cowboys game because contract negotiations took an emotional toll on the youngster.

Earlier this week, the Tigers confirmed they had signed the 21-year-old winger to a three-year contract starting next year.

“Not just professionally, but emotionally as well. That’s why we gave him a night off.

“He’ll be back next week.”

Turuva will become the latest high-profile Panther to join the Tigers, following the arrival of Apisai Koroisau last year and Luai’s deal which begins in 2025.

Brent Naden and Charlie Staines are among the other former Penrith players in the joint venture.

Turuva indicated last month that his main preference was to remain at Penrith, where he was the NRL rookie of the year last season in the club’s premiership race.

“I want to be part of this team. It’s a special group we have here, no matter who wears the jersey,” Turuva said at the time.

“I just want to be part of this club.

“I left it to my manager and Penrith to organize all that. But I already said it: the house in Penrith. This is where I want to be.

Talented Fiji international will become latest high-profile Panther to join Tigers

But the Panthers were unable to offer the Fiji international the same money he could earn elsewhere, with Penrith unwilling to relent on their $350,000-a-year offer to stay on the roster. wing.

A growing full-back, it is likely that Turuva will remain on the Tigers wing – where rising star Jahream Bula will command the No.1 jersey.

Turuva’s move to the Tigers means St George Illawarra has been absent, after the 21-year-old met the Dragons earlier this month.

With Zac Lomax leaving the Red V at the end of this year, Turuva had been considered as an option to replace him on the Dragons wing.

Turuva is the NRL’s top try scorer through the first seven rounds, with eight in six games.

He scored 12 in his rookie season in 2023.