Versatile Tago embraces familiar back-row call-up

Izack Tago's return to his back-row roots could be here to stay as Panthers coach Ivan Cleary looks to make best use of his versatility.

The 24-year-old made his first NRL start on the edge in Round 11 after being injected into the game off the bench in three of his previous four opportunities in the top grade in 2026, making 33 tackles in a 50-minute stint.

While disappointed at the beginning of the season missing the run-on side, Tago said he was happy to tough it out and develop his game to help the team.

“I’m happy to go wherever my coach needs me, it doesn’t really bother me where," he said.

“I’m just trying to keep learning the position and keep trying to play that and centre whenever the time comes to play both positions the best I can."

Speaking after the Panthers' Round 11 win over the Dragons, coach Cleary said he initially anticipated needing to manage potential injuries in the outside backs as a way to get Tago into the backline.

However, when those chances weren't forthcoming, he looked for another way to put the three-time premiership winner on the park.

“Obviously he missed out at the start of the season, things not really of his own doing, he lost a bit of preparation throughout the preseason," he said.

“He was actually originally a backrower as a kid, played his junior reps there. He didn’t really play centre until he got to Cup, I think, and was unbelievable at it, so the back-row thing sort of disappeared.

“We just started playing him off the bench and thought he deserved a start and ultimately it’s only going to be good for him and us if he can manage both positions." 

It's also going to be good for his chances at selection for Samoa, who are expected to have a wealth of elite outside backs to choose from in their World Cup 2026 tilt.

Tago is the incumbent centre from the 2025 Pacific Championship final but will be up against healthy backline stocks expected to include Stephen Crichton, Brian To'o, Taylan May, Simi Sasagi, Deine Mariner, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Murray Taulagi.

“It’s always a great opportunity to play for Samoa and represent my country and people, so wherever that is, if I get a spot in there, I’ll be happy," Tago said.