In the world of rugby league, team rosters are constantly shifting as coaches and managers strive to build championship-winning squads. But for Penrith Panthers head coach Ivan Cleary, one particular move has caused some regret. The decision to let rising star Isaiah Iongi leave the Panthers and join rivals Parramatta Eels is one that Cleary may now be second-guessing.
Isaiah Iongi, a young talent from Penrith’s junior ranks, had long been viewed as one of the future stars for the Panthers. The versatile fullback and playmaker had shown immense potential in the Panthers’ system, particularly in the lower grades. His speed, agility, and vision on the field made him a standout among his peers. Many within the club believed Iongi was on track to become a key player in Penrith’s future NRL plans.
However, with the Panthers boasting a strong, championship-winning squad, particularly in their backline, Iongi found his opportunities at the NRL level limited. Players like Dylan Edwards and Stephen Crichton dominated the fullback and outside-back positions, leaving Iongi to wait for his chance. This lack of first-grade opportunities ultimately led the young talent to seek a move elsewhere to further his career.
Enter Parramatta Eels. Always on the lookout for young talent to bolster their squad, the Eels quickly seized the opportunity to sign Iongi. For Parramatta, it was a smart move to acquire a young player with the potential to be a future star in the NRL. For Iongi, it was a chance to step out of the shadows of Penrith’s established stars and potentially make a name for himself in first-grade rugby.
But as Iongi has started to make an impression at Parramatta, Cleary and the Panthers have likely begun to feel the weight of the decision. Cleary has been known for his exceptional ability to nurture young talent, having guided the likes of Nathan Cleary and Jarome Luai to stardom. The loss of Iongi, however, has started to stir feelings of regret within the Panthers’ camp.
Sources close to the club suggest that Cleary had initially believed that allowing Iongi to leave was the best move for both parties. With the Panthers already loaded with top-tier talent in the backline, it seemed unlikely that Iongi would break into the starting lineup anytime soon. Yet, as Penrith fans have seen Iongi’s development continue at Parramatta, there’s growing frustration that the Panthers let a future star slip through their fingers.
Furthermore, the Eels’ decision to give Iongi more first-grade opportunities could lead to his rapid development, something Penrith might have to contend with in future matchups. Cleary, known for his strategic acumen, may now face the challenge of coaching against a player he helped develop—one that could potentially haunt the Panthers in future derby games.
While the Panthers remain a force to be reckoned with, Ivan Cleary’s regret over Isaiah Iongi’s departure serves as a reminder that even the best-laid plans in rugby league can sometimes backfire. For now, the future looks bright for Iongi at the Eels, and only time will tell how big of a loss Penrith has suffered by letting this young star go.
