NRL 2025: Blaize Talagi shoulder surgery puts Penrith Panthers’ halves plans in disarray

Penrith’s plans for 2025 have hit a major hurdle with star recruit Blaize Talagi set for surgery, while another two are also racing the clock to be fit for round one.

Penrith’s plans to start the 2025 NRL season with Blaize Talagi and Nathan Cleary in the halves have hit a major stumbling block after Talagi suffered a shoulder injury that has left him racing the clock to be fit for round one.

This masthead understands that Talagi, signed from Parramatta to wear Penrith’s vacant No. 6 jersey, damaged his shoulder while in England with the Samoan team.

It is understood he underwent a clean-out this week and is expected to spend much of the off-season recovering, as he bids to be fit and available for the season opener in Las Vegas.

Blaize Talagi playing for Samoa against England. Picture: NRL Images

The Panthers already have headaches in the halves as captain and talisman Nathan Cleary recovers from shoulder surgery along with fullback Dylan Edwards.

Cleary underwent his own operation earlier this month, having returned from England after holidaying with partner, Matildas player Mary Fowler.

Edwards is facing the same four month recovery period as Cleary, with the four-time premiership duo a real chance of missing Penrith’s round 1 clash.

If Cleary and Talagi are unavailable, the Panthers could be forced to turn to Brad Schneider and Jack Cole for the Las Vegas season opener against Cronulla.

Dylan Edwards has undergone latarjet shoulder reconstruction surgery this week to address a chronic shoulder issue (via @mrchrisnico)

Same surgery Nathan Cleary had - usually a ~ 4 month recovery time which will have him touch & go to be fit for Round 1 in Vegas. pic.twitter.com/hluaD5XypV

— NRL PHYSIO (@nrlphysio) November 14, 2024

The pair have just 36 NRL games experience between them.

However, the Panthers are confident that Cleary won’t miss any of the regular season, although that will be contingent on how he recovers from surgery.

The same goes for Talagi as the 19-year-old looks to cement a place in the halves for the four-time premiers and help compensate for the loss of long-time No. 6 Jarome Luai.

Luai won four premierships playing alongside Cleary in the halves but their partnership came to an end after this year’s grand final when Luai opted to accept a $6 million deal from the Wests Tigers.

Nathan Cleary is recovering from shoulder surgery. Picture: Instagram

The exciting Talagi, who was in contention to win rookie-of-the-year honours after a standout season with Parramatta, is expected to get first shot at playing alongside Cleary, although the Panthers may be forced into a rethink given his injury setback.

Talagi’s younger brother, Ryda, re-signed with the Eels this week until the end of 2027.

The Eels feared the Australian Schoolboys prop would join his brother in defecting to the Panthers, but the local junior opted to remain at Parramatta, where he will play SG Ball Cup next season.

Originally published as NRL 2025: Blaize Talagi shoulder surgery puts Penrith Panthers’ halves plans in disarray