'An absolute star': Cleary's lofty praise for Panthers' 'awesome' Dally ...

Panthers coach Ivan Cleary has heaped praise on breakout winger Sunia Turuva after yet another “awesome” performance against the Warriors.

In his first ever finals appearance, Turuva bagged a double and ran for 127 metres to go with two line breaks and three tackle breaks.

The 21-year-old is one of the leading contenders for the Dally M Rookie of the Year and only boosted his credentials on Saturday night.

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Bulldogs gun Jacob Preston, Tigers flyer Jahream Bula and Dolphins halfback Isaiya Katoa are all in the running.

But Cleary believes Turuva deserves to be crowned the NRL’s best rookie off the back of an impressive season, taking over on the wing after a season-ending injury to Taylan May.

“I’d give it to him, I don’t think anyone would argue with me,” Cleary said.

“He’s just been awesome, for a rookie he just aims up week in, week out.

“Today I just can’t remember him doing anything wrong, and he’s doing plenty things right, so I’m very happy for him.”

Turuva is free to negotiate with rival clubs come November 1 and Panthers powerbrokers will be doing all they can to keep him at the foot of the mountain.

After his second four-pointer, commentator Andrew Voss spoke about Turuva’s road to the NRL.

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The young gun endured a house fire and a death in his immediate family prior to making his first grade debut in 2022.

“What a story, this young man. The tragedy in his life across 2020 and 2021,” Voss said.

“Home burnt down in 2020, they lost everything bar the shirts on their back. 2021 his mum passes away suddenly.

“The Penrith club rallied around this young man, now he is in first grade. Got a taste last year, but he is an NRL player.”

“He’s an absolute star,” Michael Ennis added.

Turuva could also be in line for a bigger role next season, with centre Stephen Crichton departing to the Bulldogs.

Taylan May has been vocal regarding his desires to move one position closer to the middle, but Turuva’s form can’t be ignored this season.