Although rookie fullback Isaiah Iongi is currently the third-choice fullback for the Penrith Panthers, he has already garnered the interest of the team’s starting fullback and NSW Blues representative, Dylan Edwards.
Currently biding his time behind Edwards and Daine Laurie, rookie fullback Isaiah Iongi is set to transition to the Panthers’ Top 30 roster next season from the development list.
Aspiring to follow in the footsteps of fellow young talents Casey McLean and Jesse McLean by making his NRL debut, Iongi has already made a significant impact in the NSW Cup. He earned the NSW Cup Fullback of the Year award in 2023 and was named the Panthers’ Jersey Flegg Player of the Year in 2022. Additionally, he has represented the U19s QLD Maroons.
Last season, Iongi scored five tries and provided 18 try assists in 24 reserve grade matches. He has continued his impressive form this season with five tries, four try assists, eight line-breaks, and 2,695 running metres in 15 NSW Cup games.
Though he has yet to debut in first grade, Iongi has caught the eye of current fullback Dylan Edwards. Edwards praised the young player and encouraged fans to keep an eye on him.
“He’s been fantastic for a while now,” Edwards told Zero Tackle. “He’s trained with us for some time, always puts in great effort, and is a very skillful player. When he gets his chance, expect him to bring a lot of energy and be a reliable, safe player. He’s definitely one to watch out for.”
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