UPDATE: Wests Tigers player of the year, fullback Daine Laurie, has apologised after he 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.
“I’m really sorry, it was really dumb on my behalf,” Laurie told the Herald.
“I shouldn’t have done it. I was just happy for my mates to win the grand final.
“Obviously I was watching the grand final and had a few drinks, I was with a few mates.
“I was happy for Penrith to win, I grew up and went to school with nearly all the players in the side. I grew a good relationship while I was with them for the last five years, I was happy for them.”
The 22-year-old, on a deal reportedly worth $140,000 this year, scored seven tries in 19 games and played well 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.
“It was just silly, I put on the jersey and had a drive around town to see what it was like,” Laurie said.
“I obviously got caught on camera which is a bit silly on my behalf.
“It should never have happened.”
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