LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
Ivan Cleary spills beans on why Tigers-bound Sunia Turuva missed NRL clash
The Panthers coach, Ivan Cleary, dropped a bombshell revealing that Turuva was sidelined for the Cowboys clash due to mental exhaustion.
It seems like the pressure of contract talks took a toll on the young player, leading to his unexpected absence.
The Fiji international, who has been a key player for Penrith since his debut in 2022, will be joining forces with his cousin, Api Koroisau, at the Wests Tigers next season.
This move adds Turuva to the growing list of former Panthers making their way to the Tigers, joining the likes of Jarome Luai, Brent Naden, and Charlie Staines.
Turuva's last-minute exclusion from the Panthers lineup raised eyebrows among fans, as he was replaced by new recruit Paul Alamoti.
Cleary later explained that the decision was made to protect Turuva's mental well-being amidst the ongoing contract negotiations.
It's all part of the game, as they say, and sometimes players need a break to regroup and focus on what's important.