Penrith is on the verge of securing Blaize Talagi after the young talent from Parramatta announced his decision to reject an offer from the Eels for the 2025 season. This news was a major setback for Jason Ryles, the incoming coach at Parramatta, who was informed of Talagi’s departure on Wednesday. Penrith, however, is expected to benefit greatly from Talagi’s move, with an agreement between the Panthers and the 19-year-old back player anticipated soon.
Talagi’s acquisition is seen as a significant advantage for Penrith, especially after they dismissed centre Taylan May earlier this year. The club is also facing the upcoming departures of winger Sunia Turuva and five-eighth Jarome Luai, who have both signed with Wests Tigers for 2025. Talagi is expected to fill a similar financial slot in the salary cap left by May and could potentially play as a centre or five-eighth in the future.
For Parramatta, losing Talagi is a considerable blow, especially since they put substantial effort into retaining him. Talagi made his debut with the Eels in March and had the option to stay with the club for another season, but he chose to decline it. After Ryles left his position as Melbourne’s assistant coach to begin his new role at Parramatta, the club made Talagi a top priority. They offered him the potential to play fullback in the future along with a lucrative and extended deal, but these incentives were not enough to sway Talagi.
The Eels, who are currently positioned 16th on the ladder, are now faced with planning for the future without Talagi. Only three players are under contract for 2026 and beyond. The departure of another young talent, Ethan Sanders, has compounded the challenges for Ryles and the club.
Parramatta’s CEO, Jim Sarantinos, expressed disappointment over Talagi’s decision, noting the strong offer and clear path for his football future that the club had presented. Sarantinos emphasized the club’s consistent efforts to communicate their desire to have Talagi as a long-term part of the team. Despite the disappointment, he wished Talagi the best.
Talagi had been linked to other clubs such as St George Illawarra and Newcastle in recent months. However, Penrith’s appeal as three-time premiers ultimately won him over. His signing represents only the second high-demand player acquisition for Penrith during their championship run, following the recruitment of Isaiah Papali’i from Wests Tigers for the next year after James Fisher-Harris’s release for 2025.
Coincidentally, the news of Talagi’s expected signing coincided with a scheduled meeting between Penrith officials and winger Brian To’o regarding his future with the club. To’o is under contract until 2027, and Penrith has indicated no interest in releasing the NSW State of Origin winger. Furthermore, it is understood that the Panthers do not see Talagi as a replacement for To’o.
In summary, Penrith’s potential signing of Blaize Talagi signifies a strategic move to bolster their roster in light of recent and upcoming player changes. For Parramatta, it marks a significant loss and adds to the challenges faced by the incoming coach as he navigates the team’s future without one of its promising young talents.
