We reported recently how Penrith coach Ivan Cleary revealed he made the shock decision to sack Sunia Turuva because his contract negotiations had become a distraction.
Turuva now feels wounded and biased.
Just a day after announcing that he had signed a three-year contract with Wests Tigers, Turuva was sensationally dropped for the Panthers’ 26-20 win against North Queensland in Townsville.
Paul Alamoti, wearing jersey No.19, proved a capable replacement. The former Bulldog ran for 181 metres and scored a vital, intercept try just on the stroke of half-time.
“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 was not featured in their latest game, wary of his sgining up witnh the West Tigers.
Cleary said Alamoti had handled his unexpected call-up well.
“I thought he showed plenty,” Cleary said.
“There’s a few things that he can learn as well. There was a huge play made on the stroke of half-time, but he ran the ball strongly, came up with some other good plays as well.
“He’s a young man learning what we value and I think he’s gonna be a good player for us.”
