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Dropped Penrith hero says Cleary was right to axe him
George Clarke, AAP • September 18th, 2025 2:31 pm
Paul Alamoti (c) says his demotion to reserve grade was a blessing in disguise | Andrew Cornaga/AAP
Savouring every second of his late-season recall, Penrith premiership hero Paul Alamoti insists coach Ivan Cleary was right to drop him to reserve grade as he struggled for form midway through this season.
Alamoti scored the match-winning try as the Panthers sealed a fourth-straight title in last year's grand final, but came back down to earth with a bump when he was axed by Cleary after a round-12 loss to Newcastle in May.
The Tongan international's only NRL games since his reserve-grade demotion had mostly come as injury cover.
That was until last week when, with a full backline to pick from, Cleary made the shock call to select Alamoti ahead of dependable winger Tom Jenkins for the Panthers' elimination-final win over the Warriors.
"It's been a bit of a rollercoaster year and I was fortunate enough to get back into the finals arena," Alamoti said.
"It (being dropped) was obviously a conversation that no player wants to go through but I've been through it at the Dogs and knew how I could get myself back in the NRL squad.
"When he (Cleary) told me (I was recalled), I didn't want to let him down.
"I did feel like I wasn't playing to the standard I know I can.
"I trust that the coach makes the right decision. It was a blessing in disguise. I was able to go back and work on a few things and get myself right mentally and physically.
"The pressure comes off (in reserve grade), there's a lot of weight off your shoulders and I was able to be me and get me back to where I am today."
Alamoti also wanted to do his best for Jenkins, who was handed a career lifeline by Penrith this season and has been one of the club's standout performers.
Tom Jenkins was the unlucky Panther to make way for Paul Alomoti | Photo: Scott Radford-Chisholm/AAP
"There was a lot of joy, I didn't expect it because Milky (Jenkins) has been amazing since he came in, he's been one of the best on ground most games this year," Alamoti said.
"He was the first person who came and told me I'd be playing and there's a lot of love for him, he's had a stellar year."
Alamoti has held his spot to face former club Canterbury in Sunday's semi-final with Jenkins named as 18th man.
The 21-year-old Alamoti was once viewed as part of the Bulldogs' long-term future before being the victim of a roster cleanout at the end of 2023 that paved the way for him to land at Penrith.
"I'm grateful how everything's panned out because being able to come here was a blessing for me," Alamoti said.
"I knew (under Cameron Ciraldo) eventually they would be a powerhouse team, it's no surprise to see where they are this year."
