By Adrian Proszenko and Adam Pengilly
Rising star Blaize Talagi will leave Parramatta and is poised to join western Sydney rivals Penrith in an early setback for incoming coach Jason Ryles.
Talagi this week informed the club he will not accept their offer and will instead explore other opportunities. It is a huge blow for Ryles, who had made Talagi’s signing a priority.
Talagi was offered the chance to succeed Clint Gutherson as the Eels’ long-term fullback, but is on the cusp of joining the Panthers. St George Illawarra and Newcastle were among the clubs jockeying for his signature, although the former have been told they have been unsuccessful in their bid.
“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.”
Talagi’s likely move further west is likely to increase speculation about the future of Brian To’o following reports the NSW winger is considering his future.
Blaize Talagi will not be part of Jason Ryles’ rebuild at Parramatta.Credit: Getty Images
To’o’s management met with Panthers officials on Wednesday morning to discuss his future despite being under contract until the end of 2027.
Some of To’o’s closest friends have left Penrith in recent years, including Stephen Crichton (Bulldogs) and Spencer Leniu (Roosters), while Jarome Luai and Sunia Turuva are bound for the Tigers next year.
The looming signing of Talagi will provide coach Ivan Cleary with another backline weapon, and means Talagi could be a potential halves partner for Nathan Cleary in the post-Luai era.
Parramatta did everything they could to retain the 19-year-old, who is a contender for Dally M Rookie of the Year after starring for an Eels side trying to avoid the wooden spoon after sacking coach Brad Arthur.
Talagi has played in every position across the backline bar halfback so far this year, and Ryles had pitched the prospect of him taking over the No.1 jersey long term in a bit to retain him.
He has scored nine tries in just 14 games and has been named in the centres for Parramatta’s clash with the Warriors in New Zealand on Friday night.
Talagi’s impending capture is the second major signing for the Panthers next year after Tigers forward Isaiah Papali’i was released from the remainder of his contract to join Penrith.
Luai, Turuva and James Fisher-Harris (Warriors) will leave the three-time defending premiers at the end of the season.
More to come
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