Izack Tago (/teɪɡoʊ/) (born 5 April 2002) is a Samoa international rugby league footballer who plays as a centre for the Penrith Panthers in the NRL. He won the 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024 NRL Grand Finals with the Penrith Panthers.
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Personal information | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Born | 5 April 2002 Sydney, New South Wales, Australia | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Height | 184 cm (6 ft 0 in) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weight | 93 kg (14 st 9 lb) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Playing information | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Position | Centre | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Source: [1] As of 6 October 2024 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Relatives | Jake Tago (brother) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Background
editTago played his junior rugby league for the St Mary's Saints. He is of Samoan descent.
Playing career
edit2021
editIn round 13 of the 2021 NRL season, Tago made his first grade debut for Penrith against the Wests Tigers at Leichhardt Oval.[2] then went on to win the 2021 grand final as 18th man
2022
editIn round 1 of the 2022 NRL season, Tago scored the first try of the year in the opening match as Penrith defeated Manly 28-6.[3]
Tago played 26 games for Penrith in the 2022 NRL season including the clubs 2022 NRL Grand Final victory over Parramatta.[4]
In October, Tago was named in the Samoa squad for the 2021 Rugby League World Cup.[5]
2023
editOn 18 February, Tago played in Penrith's 13-12 upset loss to St Helens RFC in the 2023 World Club Challenge.[6] In round 5 of the 2023 NRL season, Tago scored two tries in Penrith's 53-12 victory over Canberra.[7] Following Penrith's narrow loss to South Sydney in round 8 of the 2023 NRL season, it was announced that Tago would be ruled out for an indefinite period with a pectoral injury. In round 18, Tago made 13 tackle breaks, one try assist and scored two tries against Melbourne at Marvel Stadium in their 34-16 victory.[8][9] In round 20, Tago scored two tries as Penrith defeated the Dolphins 24-14.[10] Tago played 16 games for Penrith in the 2023 NRL season including the clubs 26-24 victory over Brisbane in the 2023 NRL Grand Final as Penrith won their third straight premiership.[11]
2024
editOn 24 February, Tago played in Penrith's 2024 World Club Challenge final loss against Wigan.[12] In round 3 of the 2024 NRL season, Tago scored two tries for Penrith in their grand final rematch against Brisbane. Penrith would win the game 34-12.[13] In round 23, Tago scored two tries for Penrith in their 36-34 comeback victory against Parramatta.[14] Tago played a total of 26 games for Penrith in the 2024 NRL season. On 6 October, he won the 2024 NRL Grand Finals with the Penrith side, the 4th consecutive win for the club.[15]
Statistics
editStats correct to the end of the 2024 season.[16]
| Year | Team | Games | Tries | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 |  Penrith Panthers
|
6 | 1 | 4 |
| 2022 | 26 | 13 | 52 | |
| 2023 | 16 | 10 | 40 | |
| 2024 | 26 | 10 | 40 | |
| 2025 | ||||
| Totals | 74 | 34 | 136 |
References
edit- ^ "Izack Tago - Playing Career - RLP".
- ^ "Round 13 team lists". NRL.com. 1 June 2021.
- ^ "Reigning premiers Penrith make huge statement in NRL season opener". www.news.com.au.
- ^ "We hate Parra as Panthers mock Eels as Koroisau pokes fun at Tigers". www.smh.com.au. 3 October 2022.
- ^ "Full list of every squad at the Rugby League World Cup 2021". Love Rugby League. 4 October 2022.
- ^ "St Helens: World Club Challenge win 'seismic for British rugby league'". BBC Sport.
- ^ "'It was a mug's comment': Kenty blasts lack of 'class and humility' at Panthers". www.foxsports.com.au. 3 April 2023.
- ^ "Panthers make statement with Melbourne mauling, Rabbitohs score stirring upset over Warriors". ABC News. 30 June 2023.
- ^ "Casualty Ward: Hamlin-Uele, Chester suffer knee injuries". www.nrl.com. 15 July 2023.
- ^ "Eels pip Titans 25-24 in NRL thriller after Panthers, Warriors come away with wins". www.abc.net.au.
- ^ Howcroft, Jonathan (October 2023). "NRL grand final 2023: Penrith Panthers defeat Brisbane Broncos – as it happened". The Guardian.
- ^ "World Club Challenge: Wigan Warriors 16-12 Penrith Panthers - Cherry and Whites crowned world champions for fifth time". BBC Sport. 24 February 2024.
- ^ "Panthers run riot in grand final rematch after Broncos lose Walsh to ugly injury: What we learned". www.foxsports.com.au. 21 March 2024.
- ^ "Panthers steal victory in CRAZY finish as late Gutho miss denies devastated Eels". www.foxsports.com.au. 9 August 2024.
- ^ "NRL grand final 2024 quick hits: Biting allegation, Panthers halves swansong and a controversial bunker decision". www.abc.net.au.
- ^ "Official NRL profile of Izack Tago for Penrith Panthers | NRL.com". National Rugby League.
External links
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