Turuva to join Wests Tigers in 2025
Panthers winger makes decision
Sydney, Australia – Penrith Panthers winger Sunia Turuva has agreed to terms to join the Wests Tigers, informing Penrith team-mates on Thursday of his decision to leave the club at the end of the 2024 season.
Turuva, 21, has been a regular in the Panthers’ NRL side since making his debut in 2021 and has scored 21 tries in 42 games. He was part of the Panthers’ premiership-winning team in 2022.
The Tigers have been on the lookout for a winger for some time and see Turuva as the ideal fit for their team. He is a strong and physical player who is also a good finisher.
The Tigers are hoping that Turuva can help them improve on their disappointing 2023 season, in which they finished 14th on the ladder.
Turuva’s decision to join the Tigers is a blow to the Panthers, who are already facing the prospect of losing several other players at the end of the season.
Reaction
Panthers coach Ivan Cleary said he was disappointed to lose Turuva but understood his reasons for leaving.
“Sunia is an exciting young player and we are sad to see him go,” Cleary said. “But he made a decision that is in the best interests of his career, and we respect that.”
Tigers coach Michael Maguire said he was delighted to have secured Turuva’s services and described him as a player with a bright future.
“I’ve been watching Sunia for since he started and I am really impressed with what I’ve seen,” Maguire said. “He’s a talented player with a great attitude, and I am sure he will be a success at the Tigers.”