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 Talagai’s decision given the lengths they want 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 Talagai during the pre-season before deciding what position he will slot into.
Talagai also rejected the Dragons and Dolphins.
The Eels are now long odds to retain Talagai’s younger brother Ryda who is a highly fancied prop in his own right. While discussions between Penrith and the Talagai’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.
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 Talagai’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.
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.
Replies
Lol, let's replace one broken player with another. The guy who has played a combined 27 games over the last 3 seasons.
Yeh I really like pappy as a player and person and from all my links at oak hill he is amazing with the boys there as alumni over the years
but yes def share your concerns
Isn't there a no poaching clause for Ryles for anyone at the Storm for the next 12 months? Not sure about Paps. Bit injury ridden and hasn't recaptured that form of a few years ago.
Yeah for 12 months, if we sign Papenhuyzen he will be with us after the 12 months. I believe it is we cannot bring any over or try to bring any over. If they are free to negotiate then surely fair game.
Papenhuyzen also can play the homesick card with his family living in Western Sydney.
This clause don't not exist just a media blow up there was an agreement he wouldn't poach players while he was there
If that's the case then great. Staff would make sense too.
pretty sure it is poaching staff
It is staff only that the no poaching clause applies to Ryles. He can poach whatever players are coming off contract in accordance with existing NRL rules.
massive blow lol
I mean here is a prime example of a situation of some Parra fans. We complain of never getting to a top line player. Have a rookie who could be groomed to replace a great player and people abuse the kid saying he is rubbish, he is not a great defender, we can do better at Fullback. Look at Papenhuyzen, who when in form is a top 5 Fullback in the comp maybe even top 3, but it is shuned due to injuries. Injuries are fair but still the chance to get a talent like him.
Again we could have signed primed Andrew Johns and many would say it is a bad signing for this and this.
If you are replacing Gutherson, need X-factor, this is where you go.
Lol though love how they say they will develop Talagi before deciding where they will put him. Us doing the same is a reason he left hahaha. He is Five-Eighth competiting with Cole.
-
1
-
2
-
3
-
4
-
5
of 6 Next