Fiji Bati and Panthers winger Sunia Turuva has reached an agreement to join the West Tigers, marking a significant move in his professional rugby league career. At 21 years old, Turuva made the decision to depart from his current club, Penrith, by informing his teammates on Thursday that he would be leaving at the end of the season. This decision came after turning down an offer from the Dragons, showcasing Turuva’s deliberate consideration of his future in the sport.
Interestingly, Turuva shares a familial bond with the Tigers’ captain, Api Koroisau, as they are first cousins. Additionally, he has developed a strong rapport with Jarome Luai, an incoming recruit for the Tigers. These personal connections likely played a role in Turuva’s decision-making process as he evaluated his options for the next stage of his career.
The Dragons’ offer presented a substantial financial opportunity for Turuva, ranging between $400,000 and $600,000 per season, with additional incentives tied to his playing position. Despite the lucrative nature of this proposal, Turuva opted to decline it, indicating that other factors beyond financial gain influenced his choice.
Conversely, Penrith, Turuva’s current club, was hesitant to match the financial terms offered by the Dragons. With a ceiling of $350,000 set for retaining Turuva, Penrith made a calculated decision based on their assessment of the talent pool within their junior system, particularly in the outside backs position.
Turuva’s move to the West Tigers marks a new chapter in his career, one that reflects both his personal relationships within the league and his strategic considerations for professional growth. As he transitions to his new team, Turuva will undoubtedly bring his speed, skill, and dedication to the field, adding value to the West Tigers’ lineup.
