Penrith has been rocked on the eve of their biggest game of the season with the news that star recruit Jamal Idris is taking an indefinite break from football.
The Panthers have promised to rally behind Idris, who is dealing with personal issues off the field.
The 23-year-old joined Penrith in the pre-season after being granted a release by the Gold Coast on compassionate grounds.
Panthers boss Phil Gould said the club would support Idris through this time.
“The club has been working closely with the NRL this week to put a support system in place to help Jamal deal with some personal issues,” Mr Gould said.
“The club stresses that this matter has nothing to do with disciplinary action.
“The Panthers and the NRL are fully supportive of Jamal and will be assisting him during this important period.”
Penrith took the unusual action of training behind closed doors today – the first sign that something was amiss in the camp.
It is understood that the issues Idris is dealing with came to a head last weekend during the bye, when Idris went to the Gold Coast. The Weekender understands there has been no incident involving another individual.
The shock news comes as the third placed Panthers prepare to play Parramatta in front of what is expected to be a sellout crowd at Sportingbet Stadium tomorrow night.
It is expected that Issah Yeo will replace Idris in the centres.
The Panthers have given no indication of when Idris may return to football, while Idris himself is yet to speak on the matter.
Meanwhile, the Weekender can reveal that Tim Grant has been dropped from the side to play the Eels tomorrow night to make way for Nigel Plum, who returns from injury.
It is understood that Grant will play NSW Cup for the Panthers on Sunday.
