Tago’s NRL Future Hangs in the Balance Amidst Jenkins’ Sensational Form
Penrith Panthers CEO Matt Cameron has thrown his support behind Izack Tago, expressing confidence that the talented centre will soon force his way back into the club’s starting NRL lineup. However, Cameron also acknowledged the remarkable early-season form of winger Tom Jenkins, which presents a significant hurdle for the three-time premiership winner. Coach Ivan Cleary, known for his reluctance to disrupt a winning formula, is unlikely to make immediate changes to a side that has started the season with three commanding victories.
The Panthers have kicked off their 2024 campaign with an unbeaten streak, securing dominant wins against the Brisbane Broncos, Cronulla Sharks, and Sydney Roosters. This impressive start has already positioned them as strong premiership contenders for 2026. A key factor in Penrith’s ominous form has been the outstanding performances of Tom Jenkins on the wing. Jenkins has been a revelation, amassing an astonishing eight tries in just three games, catapulting him to the top of the try-scoring charts, two tries ahead of Melbourne Storm’s exciting prospect, Sua Faalogo.
Jenkins’ ascent to a starting wing position was not initially anticipated. He was reportedly set to begin the season on the bench, having been omitted from the squad before Penrith’s finals series last year. However, a disrupted pre-season for Izack Tago led to his absence from the opening round. Jenkins seized this opportunity with both hands, cementing his place on the wing. This shift also saw Paul Alamoti slotting into Tago’s customary left-centre position.
As it stands, Tago has yet to feature for the Panthers in the NRL this season. Whispers had circulated about a potential player swap involving the disgruntled Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs star, Bronson Xerri. Nevertheless, Coach Cleary has firmly dismissed any such suggestions, reiterating that Tago remains an integral part of the club’s long-term plans.
Tago has been performing strongly in the NSW Cup, consistently pushing for a recall to the top grade. Speaking ahead of the Round 4 clash against the Parramatta Eels on Saturday, Penrith CEO Cameron cautioned that Tago might need to temper his expectations for an immediate return. The current form of Tom Jenkins, he conceded, makes him virtually undroppable at this juncture.
“He’s obviously missed selection in Round 1,” Cameron stated when discussing Tago’s situation on SEN Radio. “Not for any other reason than if you spoke to the coach, who might have just thought he was a little bit off the pace.”
Cameron elaborated on the specific circumstances: “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.”
Despite the current selection challenge for Tago, the Panthers boss emphasised that this intense competition for positions is ultimately a positive development for Cleary’s squad. Cameron expressed his belief that Tago possesses too much talent to remain 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 affirmed. He further highlighted the club’s philosophy: “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.”
This dynamic environment, where players must consistently perform to retain their spots, is seen as a crucial element in Penrith’s sustained success. While Tago’s current exclusion is a setback, the internal competition is expected to fuel his determination and ultimately benefit the team as a whole. The coming weeks will be telling as to how quickly Tago can regain his best form and whether an opportunity will arise for him to reclaim his place in the formidable Panthers lineup.
