Blaize Talagi to join Penrith Panthers after rejecting Parramatta Eels contract extension | NRL transfer news 2024

Blaize Talagi will join Penrith in 2025 in a massive blow for Parramatta under new coach Jason Ryles. However, the Eels have already identified a superstar replacement from Melbourne.

Parramatta Eels rookie Blaize Talagi has rejected a long-term contract to stay at the club. Picture: Getty Images

Penrith will sign departing Parramatta star Blaize Talagi on a three year deal with no promise of what his long-term position may be but the Eels are already identifying a superstar replacement – Ryan Papenhuyzen.

The Panthers are unable to announce the deal given Parramatta has yet to waive the NRL’s 10-day cooling off period. Regardless, Talagi will join bitter rivals Penrith in 2025 in a massive blow for Parramatta under new coach Jason Ryles.

The Eels are furious with Talagi’s decision given the lengths they went to ensure the local product would remain at the club. However, he has opted to join Penrith with either a centre or five-eighth spot up for grabs.

The Panthers plan to develop Talagi during the pre-season before deciding what position he will slot into.

Talagi also rejected the Dragons and Dolphins.

The Eels are now long odds to retain Talagi’s younger brother Ryda who is a highly fancied prop in his own right. While discussions between Penrith and the Talagi’s has strictly focused on securing Blaize they may now turn their attention to Ryda who has also attracted interest from a host of other clubs.

The Panthers have snatched up Blaize Talagi after he rejected a contract extension at Parramatta. Picture: Getty Images

If he plays five-eighth he would replace Wests Tigers bound Jarome Luai but the Panthers also have a space in their outside backs following Taylan May’s departure. May’s departure also created room in Penrith’s salary cap to sign the 19-year-old.

The Eels issued a terse statement regarding Talagi’s departure.

“The club made a very strong offer to Blaize, provided a clear path for his football future and consistently made it clear to Blaize and his family that we wanted him to be part of the club long term,” said Parramatta Eels CEO Jim Sarantinos.

“While we are disappointed, particularly given the opportunities provided to Blaize during his time at the club, we wish him all the best.”

Having debuted against Manly in round three this year, Talagi has now played 15 NRL games for Parramatta, scoring nine tries.

He has played centre, fullback, wing, five-eighth and come off the bench this season.

Parramatta have identified Ryan Papenhuyzen as a possible replacement for Talagi. Picture: Getty Images

The Eels are already targeting multiple replacements including Papenhuyzen, the champion Melbourne Storm fullback.

It would be an amazing return home for Papenhuyzen, who grew up in Kellyville, attended Oakhill College at Castle Hill and played his juniors in the Parramatta area with Dundas Shamrocks and Hills Bulls.

Former Storm assistant Ryles is fully aware what Papenhuyzen could bring to Parramatta.

Parramatta hasn’t drawn up an official hit list to replace Talagi but Papenhuyzen is understood to be a player under strong consideration.

Melbourne has commenced preliminary discussions about extending Papenhuyzen but the club has also signed dynamic young fullback Sua Fa’alogo to a long-term deal.

Having debuted against Manly in round three this year, Talagi has now played 15 NRL games for Parramatta, scoring nine tries.

He has played centre, fullback, wing, five-eighth and come off the bench this season.