PulsesportThe Penrith star could find it hard to regain his spot in starting side.
Panthers CEO Matt Cameron has backed Izack Tago to end his NRL exile and force his way back into Penrith’s starting side in the near future. But he concedes the stunning early season form of Tom Jenkins means three-time premiership winner Tago may have to bide his time, with coach Ivan Cleary unlikely to change a winning formula.
Penrith are 3-0 to start the new season after big wins over the Broncos, Sharks and Roosters that has many touting them as premiership favourites in 2026. Jenkins’ displays on the wing have been central to the Panthers’ ominous form, with eight tries in three games rocketing him to the top of the try-scoring chart – two clear of Storm excitement machine, Sua Faalogo.
Jenkins was expected to start the season on the bench after being axed before Penrith’s finals series last year. But a disrupted pre-season for Tago meant he was dropped ahead of the opening round, and Jenkins grabbed his chance with both hands to cement a spot on the wing, with Paul Alamoti slotting into Tago’s usual spot at left centre.
Tago is yet to feature for the Panthers in the NRL this season, and there was speculation he could be used in a player swap for disgruntled Bulldogs star, Bronson Xerri. Coach Cleary has rejected any such suggestion though and insists Tago is still very much a part of the club’s plans.
The centre’s strong form in the NSW Cup has him pushing for an NRL recall. But speaking ahead of the Round 4 clash against the Eels on Saturday, Penrith CEO Cameron warned that that Tago might have to brace for further disappointment, with the form of Jenkins making him practically undroppable at present.
“He’s obviously missed selection in Round 1,” Cameron said about Tago on SEN Radio. “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.”
But the Panthers boss insists the fierce competition for places can only be a good thing for coach Cleary’s side. And Cameron believes Tago has too much talent to be stuck in reserve grade for an extended period.
Izack’s a great kid and a great player. He’ll be back in first grade before too long, no doubt,” the Penrith CEO added. “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.”
