Izack Tago could be a late call-up into the Panthers’ starting side for their blockbuster showdown against the Sharks on Saturday night, with Paul Alamoti reportedly battling illness ahead of the Round 2 clash. Penrith and Cronulla will battle it out in Bathurst in what shapes as a mouthwatering contest between two of the biggest winners from the opening round of the NRL.
The Panthers began their new campaign with a resounding 26-0 victory over defending premiers Brisbane at Suncorp Stadium. But according to leading Penrith Panthers reporter Peter Lang, speedy outside back Alamoti went into the game a little “under the weather” and is now in doubt for the Sharks game as he battles to overcome the illness before Saturday night.
Izack Tago (R image, left side) could be a late call-up to Penrith’s starting side for the NRL Round 2 game against Cronulla, with Paul Alamoti (L) reportedly battling an illness. Pic: Getty
Lang explained that if Alamoti is ruled out, it would pave the way for the return of three-time premiership-winning centre Tago, who has again been named on Penrith’s six-man bench. It’s been reported that Tago has been dealing with personal issues, which explains why he he didn’t play in Round 1. But Alamoti’s illness could see Tago replace him at centre against Cronulla.
“I heard a little rumour last week that Paul Alamoti was playing a bit under the weather last week against Brisbane,” Lang said in a video message posted on social media. “When he got back, the next couple of days he wasn’t feeling that much better. The team are hopeful and the staff are hopeful that he will play on Saturday but if he doesn’t, Izack Tago will come back in again.”
Tom Jenkins was picked ahead of Tago for the opening round thumping of the Broncos and he made the opportunity count in a standout performance that cemented his spot on the wing for Round 2. Jenkins recorded two tries, one assist, eight tackle-breaks, an offload and 202 running metres.
Panthers already missing two premiership forwards
But the potential absence of Alamoti would be another blow to a Panthers side already missing premiership forwards Liam Martin and Liam Henry. Rep back-rower Martin was considered a strong chance to return from a minor calf strain that saw him miss the win over Brisbane. But the Panthers appear to be playing it safe with the four-time premiership star after leaving him out of the extended squad entirely.
Penrith forwards Liam Henry and Liam Martin have both been ruled out of the NRL Round 2 clash with the Sharks as they work their way back from injuries. Pic: Getty
(Cameron Spencer via Getty Images)
The same is true for middle forward Henry, who was expected to miss the first couple of rounds of the new season due to a knee injury. Henry – who has signed with the Perth Bears from 2027 – suffered the injury at Panthers training in pre-season and will be pushing to return to full fitness in the coming weeks.
The loss of the workhorse forwards will present the Panthers a major test against a rampant Sharks side that put 50 points on the Titans in Round 1. Cronulla halves Braydon Trindall and Nicho Hynes both scored doubles and ran the show in attack, to send a huge early statement to the competition. Unsurprisingly, coach Craig Fitzgibbons has named an unchanged side from Cronulla’s big first-up win.