Blaize Talagi reveals why he left the Eels and opens up on Nathan Cleary relationship
Blaize Talagi knows he caused a stir when he ditched Parramatta to sign with cross-town rivals Penrith. Now the budding backline star reveals why he left - and why he has no regrets.
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He’s landed the best job in the NRL and he knows it.
After all the drama around his switch from Parramatta to Penrith, Blaize Talagi has no regrets if it means he gets to run alongside Nathan Cleary with the four-time premiers.
The Panthers halves duo have struck up a bond as they recover from dual shoulder surgeries while preparing for the club’s assault on a fifth consecutive NRL title in 2025.
Both are pushing to play round one in Las Vegas against Cronulla, where the new-look spine is set to mark the beginning of life after the departure of club and hometown hero Jarome Luai.
It’s a dream scenario for Talagi, who now has access to the game’s best halfback as a built-in mentor.
“It’s really good. I get to sort of worry about me, and Nath just takes care of everything and I’m just doing my job,” Talagi beams.
“It just makes everything easier.
“And I feel like running alongside him, it’s only going to help me improve.
“You watch these guys on TV, and now to train with them, running with them out there.
“It’s a bit surreal, but, you know, I feel like I belong here and I’ve been enjoying it and it feels good.”
Talagi, 20, was put through the wringer in his first season in the game in 2024.
One of the brightest young stars of the competition, he caused a stir when he turned down a player option with the Eels before signing a three-year deal with the Panthers.
As the Eels dealt with injuries and suspension, Talagi was shifted from the centres, to five-eighth, fullback and wing as debate raged about what position was his best.
His talent is obvious, even if it’s still untapped.
The Eels were desperate to keep him, but the chance for stability in the successful Penrith system was ultimately too good of an opportunity to pass up.
“It didn’t really have much to do with the positions or anything like that,” he says.
“I’d say it was more about what was best for my career and about me, about where I’m going to grow more, where I’m going to be the best I can be.
“I think people did think it was maybe a positional thing, that there was a spot opening here with (Jarome Luai) leaving, but that was really not it at all.”
Under Ivan Cleary’s leadership, Talagi believes he can reach his potential.
“That’s what I’m trying to do, that’s why I’m here. I want to find that consistency in my game and find my role in the team, and just keep my head down and do my job,” he says.
Talagi had a first-hand chance to study Luai during the Samoan tour of the UK at the end of last year, where he picked his brain for tips on how to fit into the Penrith system.
“Romey was good, I can’t say too much but I did like just watching him how he is at training,” he says of the newly announced Wests Tigers captain.
“He’s very switched on and intense at training and he’s definitely someone that I did learn a bit from.
“I talked to him a few times just about using my voice because the boys always look to the halves in the team.
“It doesn’t matter how old you are, the boys are always looking to you.
“It was a good experience.”
Talagi underwent a shoulder clean-out after copping an injury during the Samoan camp, meaning his first few weeks at Penrith were spent in rehab.
“It was a bit nerve wracking, like the whole lead up to it and the whole week before, but I came in and it was just the younger boys so I guess that helped me to settle in a bit,” he says.
“But everyone was welcoming, all the coaches, Ivan they were great.
“It was a challenge for me (to come in to rehab), but it’s come good now and I’m pretty much back to everything.
“I’m obviously not full contact yet, it’s a bit modified, but I’m back running with the team and everything.”
The energy is infectious at the home of the four-time premiers in the way the players and staff hold themselves with confidence.
“That feeling helps me to know that I’ve made the right decision coming here,” he says.
“It’s definitely an aura about the place, but I feel comfortable too.”
As for the Eels? He’ll have to wait until round 13 to face his former teammates, who themselves have undergone some serious changes under new coach Jason Ryles.
It could also be fullback Isaiah Iongi’s first game against the Panthers.
“It’ll be pretty cool, I guess,” Talagi smiled.
“I know they’re going through a lot of change too, but it’s funny because it will be back at CommBank, which is our home ground too.
“But I’m looking forward to coming up against my old teammates.”
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