Seamer who made the most of his opportunities in 2003 before a dislocated shoulder ended his season prematurely in August. Began that campaign as a member of the County's Academy, turning out for Cambridge UCCE to good effect. His first-team debut for Essex came against Zimbabwe in June 2003 while his first five-wicket haul arrived in just his second Championship match - against Kent in July. Injury again disrupted his 2004 season but Palladino worked hard on his action ahead of the 2005 campaign. Suffered through lack of opportunities that year and again in 2006, although he did claim career-best figures of 6-68 in the Championship match against Leicestershire at Chelmsford in May 2006. Palladino featured increasingly during the 2007 campaign – after early-season injury problems – to earn himself another two-year contract up until the end of the 2009 season.