Panthers fans divided after Ivan Cleary forced to axe 'grand final hero' for Tigers clash
Izack Tago is also back in the centres after a one-game suspension, which has seen Alamoti dropped to 18th man. Alamoti has been a revelation since switching from the Bulldogs to Panthers last year, and has thrived under Cleary's leadership.
A Test international with Tonga, the outside-back scored the match-sealing try in the 2024 grand final as the Panthers beat the Storm for their fourth-straight premiership. But he's been in and out of Penrith's first-grade side in 2025 due to a selection squeeze created by the form of others.
Between Rounds 13 and 18, Alamoti only played one game at the top level, with coach Cleary preferring a back-line of Tago, Brian To'o, Casey McLean and Thomas Jenkins. Alamoti earned a recall in Round 19 and performed brilliantly in wins against Parramatta and Souths.
But Tago's return from suspension and To'o avoiding a fresh injury has seen Alamoti go out again for the Round 21 game against the Tigers. McLean and Jenkins have seemingly cemented their sports at centre and wing on the left, after McLean also had a stint in reserve-grade earlier this season. Jenkins has taken his opportunity with both hands and is enjoying his finest season to date.
Panthers fans divided over Paul Alamoti's axing
But debate has erupted about what Cleary will do moving forward. Many believe Alamoti is a part of the Panthers' best 17, and is too good not to be playing first-grade.
"With Izack Tago returning from suspension, Alamoti goes to 18th man," a surprised Joel Caine said on SEN radio on Tuesday. "He was the grand final hero in a lot of ways."
On social media, Panthers fans questioned whether it might be worth giving To'o some more time to rest considering he banged his troublesome knee against the Rabbitohs. To'o was rested for the game against Parramatta two weeks ago, which came just days after the State of Origin decider.
He made his return in Round 20, but limped off after copping a knock to the knee. He later insisted it wasn't anything serious, and was named to take his place on the wing on Tuesday.
One person wrote online: "Should've rested To'o. Need him fit and firing for finals. Allows Alamoti to remain on the wing and Tago back into the centres." Another predicted: "Tom Jenkins will be the first one dropped pending a quiet game or so - Alamoti is a first grader at almost every NRL team."
While a third addd: "I do not know what will happen in the next period of time, but it would not surprise me to see Alamoti back in 1st grade in the near future."
It's a good backline that can leave Alimoti out.
— Amarillo🏆🏆🏆🏆 (@Amarillo1942237) July 22, 2025
He's definitely one of our better outside backs - Tom Jenkins will be the first one dropped pending a quiet game or so - Alamoti is a first grader at almost every NRL team
— Sport Season (@NRLFan1967) July 22, 2025
Should've rested To'o. Need him fit and firing for finals. Allows Alamoti to remain on the wing and Tago back into the centres
— Adamdiffey (@adamdiffey) July 22, 2025
Brian To'o pushing through the pain for Panthers
To'o's season has been plagued by injuries, starting when he was forced to miss the first game in Las Vegas due to a hamstring issue. The 26-year-old has played only eight games for the Panthers in 2025 and was under an injury cloud for the second and third State of Origin games - with hamstring and knee problems respectively.
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Speaking last week, the star winger declared it's his job to push through the pain barrier to help the Panthers secure a finals berth. Cleary's side have made an incredible resurgence from last on the ladder to sixth. But with seven rounds remaining, they're only three points ahead of the Dolphins in ninth and Roosters in 10th.
"I'll always back myself to keep going," To'o said. "It's part of the job, you'll always be busted and bruised, but never broken."
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