Panthers CEO backs exiled star to regain starting spot

Having started the season in the NSW Cup side, Penrith Panthers CEO Matt Cameron has backed Izack Tago to return to the NRL side.

Since his NRL debut in 2021, the Samoan representative has been a consistent member during the side’s historic four-peat as the starting left centre.

But after a strong pre-season from Thomas Jenkins, who has taken a starting spot on the wings, which subsequently shifted Paul Alamoti into the centres, Tago has become the odd man out at Penrith.  

With his dropping from first grade into the NSW Cup, there has been increased speculation surrounding his future at the club.

That included a rumour that he was being considered for a swap with the Bulldogs’ Bronson Xerri which was shut down by both clubs.

Cameron believes the 23-year-old can find his way back to the NRL side in the near future.

But notes it’s not a bad thing for spots to be so competitive for the undefeated side.

“He’s obviously missed selection in Round 1,” Cameron told SEN’s Kick Off.

“Not for any other reason other than if you spoke to the coach, who might have just thought he was a little bit off the pace.

“Tommy (Jenkins) has got the jump on him for the Round 1 position, and obviously, the way the team’s been going over the last three weeks, it would be a bit hard to change any aspect of the team.

“Izack’s a great kid and a great player. He’ll be back in first grade before too long, no doubt.

“But one of the other things we do pride ourselves on at the Panthers is we like competitive tension.

“If you look at the back five space at the moment, you’ve got five jerseys each week, and you’ve got six or seven players that are good enough to play in them, it really brings the best out of the players.”

The Panthers will look to continue their winning ways against their local rivals, the Parramatta Eels, in Round 4.

They face off at CommBank Stadium this Saturday with kick-off commencing from 5:30pm AEDT.