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‘It can take a lot out of you’: Why Panthers punted Sunia Turuva
Penrith coach Ivan Cleary revealed he made the shock decision to sack Sunia Turuva because his contract negotiations had become a distraction.

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.

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.”

The Cowboys enjoyed 56 per cent of possession and had all of the momentum in the dying moments, but weren’t able to convert the advantages into a win.

“I was pleased, really frustrated too,” said Cowboys coach Todd Payten.

“But what worries me is what could potentially happen later tonight. We go to the leagues club, get messages from fans and text messages and whatnot about, what a great effort, but don’t be happy with that.

“We’re not happy with that. We’ve lost three of the last four, I just can’t be happy with being close.”

Defence wins premierships. This was a phenomenal effort without the football. Penrith were starved of possession for long periods and the momentum swung strongly against them in the second half. Yet every time the Cowboys threatened to poke through when the game was in the balance, there was a pink jersey there to stop them. Dylan Edwards was involved in many of the last-gasp efforts, further pressing his claims for a NSW debut.

North Queensland show some heart. Despite winning as many games as they have lost, it has been a relatively unimpressive start to the Cowboys’ campaign. However, they showed some serious heart to almost steal this one. They controlled possession (56 per cent) and fought back when the premiers opened up a sizeable advantage. They will beat most opponents if they can find that resolve every week.

Turuva turfed. Sunia Turuva’s transfer to Wests Tigers was officially announced on Friday. A day later, he was a shock omission from the Penrith line-up. Coincidence? Paul Alamoti did a great job after earning a late call-up, including scoring a crucial try right on the stroke of half-time. However, there was nothing to suggest Turuva’s dumping was based on form given the way he’s been playing lately.

I had genuine fears for North Queensland when they conceded that try to Liam Martin early in the second half. However, they showed plenty of grit to score three consecutive tries to make a game of it late.

Penrith’s defence was absolutely sensational. The Cowboys had 56 per cent of possession and they used it well. If they play like this against just about any other side, they get away with a victory.