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

Ivan Cleary says he axed Turuva because of mental exhaustion and that Turuva signed with the Tigers recently last week on three-year deal.

Cleary insisted that since the Winger will leave the Panthers at the end of the year, there was no need fielding Turuva.

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.

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.