Penrith coach Ivan Cleary has revealed winger Sunia Turuva was dropped from the Panthers’ side as he struggled with the emotional toll of contract negotiations surrounding his move to the Wests Tigers. The 21-year-old star, who played in last year’s grand final, will join the Tigers next year after agreeing to a three-year deal worth a reported $1.3 million.
Cowboys coach Todd Payten wasn’t happy that the Panthers got away early in the match. “It was a great effort but still not good enough,” Cowboys coach Todd Payten said. “We are not happy. We lost three of the last four and can’t be happy with being close.” Nathan Cleary, rusty in his return from a month’s absence with a hamstring injury, stopped centre Valentine Holmes with a desperate effort in the final seconds.