Sunia Turuva opened the season not knowing how many games he would get to play, but a devastating ACL injury to Taylan May in the World Club Challenge opened the door for the young Fijian to take his place on the wing.
Turuva played a staggering 26 games in his rookie season, scoring 12 tries along the way to claim multiple accolades.
Not only did he play an influential role in the 2023 premiership triumph, he was also named the NRL's Dally M Rookie of the Year and Panthers' Ben Alexander Rookie of the Year.
The 21-year-old winger also gained a reputation of bringing energy to the team - both on and off the field.
With a full NRL season under his belt, Turuva will be eager for a big 2024 season.
Rookie of the Year | Sunia Turuva's 2023 Season Recap
2023 ACHIEVEMENTS
- 2023 NRL Premiership winner
- Dally M Rookie of the Year
- Ben Alexander Rookie of the Year
- 1 Test appearance for Fiji
GALLERY
All the best photos of Sunia Turuva from the 2023 season.
STAT ATTACK
Appearances – 26
Tries – 12
Line-breaks – 17
Tackle breaks – 124
Try assists – 2
Running metres – 4299 (avg. 165)
Tackles made – 130
Tackle efficiency – 82.3%
BEST TRY
We had a full dozen to pick from, but Turuva's four-pointer in Round 5 takes the cake. After a bit of razzle dazzle from the Panthers, the winger finished the play off in style.
A spectacular second for Sunia
WHAT WAS SAID
Panthers coach Ivan Cleary was full of praise towards his rookie winger this season.
He’s just been awesome, for a rookie he just aims up week in, week out. I just can’t remember him doing anything wrong, and he’s doing plenty things right, so I’m very happy for him.
Panthers coach Ivan Cleary
SOCIAL SCENE
Look who got their driver licence this year...
