SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 20: West Tigers Players following a Roosters try during the round 23 NRL match between the Sydney Roosters and the Wests Tigers at Sydney Cricket Ground, on August 20, 2022, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Scott Gardiner/Getty Images)
UPDATE: Penrith has added to their list of players departing for another club at the end of the season, with star winger Sunia Turuva officially set to join the Wests Tigers.
Turuva has agreed to a three-year deal worth an estimated $1.3 million — far more than the Panthers were willing to offer – with the Tigers confirming the news on Friday.
The 21-year-old informed his Panthers teammates of his decision this week, which will see him leave the reigning premiers in 2025.
“He is a premiership winner and a genuine footy player who also has great versatility. He is electric and brings great energy to the field every time he plays.
“Most of all he is a great person with great values. We look forward to welcoming Sunia and his family to the club.”
Penrith were unable to compete with the offer available for Turuva – who took out the Dally M Rookie of the Year award in 2023 – made by the joint-venture club.
The Sydney Morning Herald reports the 21-year-old had been offered a multi-year deal worth $450,000 a season at the Tigers and he will now join Luia at Concord.
Turuva has strong connections with members of the 2025 Tigers side, with former Panther and current Wests Tigers captain Api Koroisau his first cousin.
The Dragons reportedly expressed interest in Turuva, offering a deal worth between $400,000 and $600,000 per season, but were unable to lure him to Wollongong.
