In an embarrassing look for the struggling Wests Tigers, the club’s player of the year, fullback Daine Laurie, was seen wearing his former club’s jersey while celebrating the Panthers’ grand final victory on Sunday night.
Laurie was named the joint Kelly-Barnes medallist alongside Luke Brooks as the Tigers’ player of the year last week but that didn’t stop him from showing support for his old team as images emerged of Laurie celebrating Penrith’s grand final win, much to the displeasure of diehard Tigers fans.
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Laurie made his debut for the Panthers last season before being granted a release due to the wealth of talent Penrith had at the fullback position.
According to The Sydney Morning Herald the jersey he was seen wearing was the same one in which he made his NRL debut.
The 22-year-old, on a deal reportedly worth $140,000 this year, scored seven tries in 19 games and played above his salary in snaring enough votes to be named joint best and fairest for 2021.
It’s understood Tigers officials aren’t happy about the photo, even though they have no doubts about his commitment to the club.
“I can’t thank Penrith enough for the last five years I was there, and it was difficult parting ways. I’m not surprised what they’re doing,” he told the Herald in May.
“They were always going to be a red-hot team this year. It was the same as last year. They work for each other and work as a team.”
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