Sad News:Panthers Coach Ivan Cleary reveals shocking reason while star player Sunia Turuva’s Contract was terminated …

Penrith Panthers coach Ivan Cleary disclosed that he opted to bench Sunia Turuva for Saturday’s game against the Cowboys due to the emotional strain caused by ongoing contract negotiations. The decision came shortly after it was confirmed earlier in the week that the 21-year-old winger had signed a lucrative three-year deal with the Tigers, valued at approximately $1.3 million.

According to Cleary, Turuva’s absence from the match was primarily attributed to the mental toll of navigating through

the contract discussions. Cleary emphasized that the negotiations had been ongoing for several weeks and had

understandably weighed heavily on the young player, making it challenging for him to focus fully on the game.

“It was mainly because Sunia was going through the process of deciding on his contract and still in negotiations,” Cleary

stated. “This has been something that he’s been dealing with for a few weeks now. People may not fully grasp the

extent to which it can impact someone, particularly a young individual faced with such a significant decision.”

“He’ll return next week.”

Turuva is poised to join the Tigers, following in the footsteps of other

notable Panthers who have made the move, including Apisai Koroisau and Jarome Luai, whose deal kicks off in

2025. Former Penrith players Brent Naden and Charlie Staines are also part of the joint-venture.

Despite expressing a preference to remain at Penrith, where he earned NRL Rookie of the Year honors last season during the club’s premiership triumph,

Turuva ultimately chose to explore other options. “I want to be part of this team. It’s a special group we’ve got here, no

matter who steps into the jersey,” Turuva remarked previously. “I just want to be part of this club.”

However, Penrith’s offer of $350,000 annually to retain Turuva fell short of

other potential offers, leading to his decision to depart. Although he primarily played as a fullback in his youth, Turuva

is expected to continue operating as a winger for the Tigers, with rising star Jahream Bula likely to secure the No.1 jersey.

Turuva’s move to the Tigers comes after discussions with the Dragons earlier this

month, with St George Illawarra viewing him as a potential replacement for departing winger Zac Lomax. Turuva

currently shares the title of NRL’s top try-scorer, having scored eight tries in six games across the first seven rounds.

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