sport news Panthers coach Ivan Cleary reveals reason he made shock decision to sideline ... trends now

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

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.