Panther star Izack Tago has opened up about the heartbreaking loss of his grandfather, which explains the rocky start to his NRL season in 2026. Tago had a disrupted pre-season and was dropped ahead of the opening round, presenting replacement Tom Jenkins with a huge opportunity that he’s taken with both hands to rocket to the top of the try-scoring charts.
Tago initially had to bide his time by playing in the NSW Cup to try and force his way back into Penrith’s first-grade squad. But the strong form of the Panthers’ lethal left edge has meant the three-time premiership winner has been unable to regain his starting spot, with coach Ivan Cleary using Tago off the bench as an edge forward in recent weeks.
Panthers star Izack Tago (L image, second from right) has opened up on the death of his grandfather which saw him lose a starting spot in coach Ivan Cleary’s (R) side. Pic: Getty
It’s now emerged that the death of the 24-year-old’s grandfather on the eve of the new season was the reason why Tago was behind schedule compared to his Penrith teammates. “He was probably the main father figure in my life. It was a hard time,” Tago told AAP about his heartbreaking family loss.
Penrith ultimately decided to allow Tago to be with his family during the difficult time, rather than trying to rush him back for Round 1. And the Penrith flyer reckons it was the right call after admitting his “mind was in another place” after the personal tragedy.
“It was probably good for me to have a break from footy at the time, even though it was the start of the year. My mind was in another place,” he added. “The boys were probably better prepared than I was. It was best for the team.”
Izack Tago takes team-first approach to Penrith bench role
Tago has been a regular starter in the centres for Penrith for years, but the form of Paul Alamoti and Casey McLean has made it difficult to regain his spot. And with Jenkins lighting up the competition on one wing and Origin star Brian To’o on the other flank, Tago has had to accept a team-first mentality as he continues to feature off the bench for coach Cleary’s ladder-leaders.
“I came through the whole system as a Panthers junior and that’s something we value,” Tago said. “I wouldn’t be much of a Panther or a teammate if I wasn’t having that mindset. I just didn’t want to be kicking stones, I tried to prepare the boys as best as I could in whatever role I was doing at training.”
Izack Tago (centre) celebrates after coming off the bench to score the game-clinching try for the Panthers against Manly. Pic: Getty
(Ayush Kumar via Getty Images)
Tago’s name was even mentioned in a potential swap deal for Bulldogs centre Bronson Xerri at one point, but the Panthers categorically ruled out the possibility. And his value to the Panthers has been highlighted by a successful transition into a back-row role off the interchange in recent weeks, which included a match-winning try in Sunday’s thrilling two-point win over Manly.
“It’s a good feeling after a few weeks out, it’s good to be back,” Tago said about the decisive try. “If that’s what’s best for the team (coming off the bench)… then I’ll be more than happy to play that and keep growing in that role.”
with AAP