Panthers coach Ivan Cleary reveals reason he made shock decision to sideline Sunia Turuva against the Cowboys

Penrith Panthers coach Ivan Cleary has revealed that he sidelined Sunia Turuva for Saturday evening's match against the Cowboys because his contract negotiations had taken an emotional toll on the youngster.

Earlier this week, the Tigers confirmed they had signed the 21-year-old winger on a three-year deal from next year, estimated to be worth $1.3 million.

Just a few hours before Penrith took the field against the Cowboys, Turuva was axed and replaced with Paul Alamoti.

'Sunia didn't play mainly because he was going through his contract decision and still negotiating,' Cleary said.

'So it was something that has been sort of going on for a few weeks. I think people don't quite understand how much that can take out of someone, especially a young man with such a big decision.

'Not just professionally wise but emotionally. That's why we gave him the night off.

'He will be back next week.'

Turuva will become the latest high-profile Panther to join the Tigers, after Apisai Koroisau's arrival last year and Luai's deal that begins in 2025.

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

Turuva had indicated last month his main preference was to stay at Penrith, where he was the NRL's rookie of the year last season in the club's premiership run.

'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 said at the time.

'I just want to be part of this club.

'I've left it to my manager and Penrith to organise all that stuff. But I've said it before - Penrith's home. This is where I want to be.'

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

A fullback growing up, it is likely Turuva will stay on the wing at the Tigers - where rising star Jahream Bula will command the No.1 jersey.

Turuva's shift to the Tigers means St George Illawarra have missed out, after the 21-year-old met with the Dragons earlier this month.

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

Turuva is the NRL's equal-leading try-scorer across the first seven rounds, with eight in six games.

He scored 12 in his rookie season in 2023.