Cleary explains star's withdrawal days after rival switch

Panthers coach Ivan Cleary has revealed why Sunia Turuva was a late withdrawal for the side’s clash with North Queensland only days after news broke of him signing with the Tigers.

Turuva was replaced by Panthers new recruit Paul Alamoti only hours before the match after the Tigers confirmed a three-year $1.3 million deal for the winger on Thursday.

The 21-year-old will join teammate Jarome Luai at Concord, having knocked back a deal from the Dragons and Panthers. He was also reportedly in negotiations with the Knights.

Turuva, who has played 35 games for the Panthers and won a grand final, was a late withdrawal due to the contract situation.

Sunia Turuva in Townsville ahead of the Panthers’ clash with the Cowboys on Saturday.

“Sunia didn’t play mainly because he was going through his contract decision and still negotiating,” Cleary told media after his side’s win over the Cowboys.

“So it was something that’s been going on for a few weeks and 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 professional wise but emotionally.

“That’s why we gave him the night off.”

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His replacement, Alamoti, scored for the Panthers but is unlikely to hold on to his spot with Cleary defiant on Turuva’s return date.

“He’ll be back next week,” he said.