As Round 14 of the 2025 NRL season approaches, tensions are running high ahead of one of the most anticipated clashes of the weekend — a showdown between the Wests Tigers and the Penrith Panthers at CommBank Stadium.
At the heart of the build-up are former Panthers premiership stars Sunia Turuva and Jarome Luai, who now wear Tigers colours and are bracing for an emotionally charged reunion with their old club.
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Turuva revealed that banter had already begun from the Panthers camp, led by close friend and former teammate Brian To’o.
“He messaged me, sending photos from last year of me in the Penrith jersey,” Turuva said with a grin. “He’s trying to tell me not to forget where I came from. Yesterday he even said that if they score on me this week, he’s going to bring me into their celebration.”
Both Turuva and Luai left Penrith at the end of last season and have since become central figures in a struggling Tigers side currently reeling from three consecutive defeats against the Cowboys, Rabbitohs, and Storm.
However, with reinforcements returning this week, there’s a sense of optimism within the squad. Jeral Skelton and Latu Fainu are back from injury, while Charlie Murray will make his season debut and Kit Laulilii is also set to return.
Turuva expressed excitement at Skelton’s return, highlighting his physical impact.
“What he does in the back field with his yardage carries is crucial. His carries will be massive for us, especially against a side like Penrith.”
Meanwhile, the Panthers are coming off one of their strongest showings of the year after a dominant win over the Eels, and will be looking to spoil the homecoming for their former stars with a statement win.
With friendships set aside and finals positions on the line, Sunday’s battle promises fireworks — and perhaps a few choreographed celebrations.
