Peter Gentle is poised to make a return to Parramatta to take charge of the club’s academy as the Eels plot a homecoming for former junior star Blaize Talagi.
Gentle, who was Manly’s head of football before quitting last month, was formerly an assistant coach to Brad Arthur at the Eels more than a decade ago.
He is now set for a return to the Eels, replacing James Shepherd at the helm of the Eels academy. Shepherd has joined the Bears as an assistant coach.
Gentle has a long history in the game and has had a multitude of different roles at clubs including being a one-time interim head coach at the Broncos.
His return comes as the club plots a potentially bigger arrival in Talagi.
Talagi still has another year on his contract at Penrith but is set to become a free agent on November 1 as Penrith devote their energy to retaining some of their biggest stars, chief among them Nathan Cleary and Isaah Yeo.
There has been a school of thought that Penrith could look to allow Talagi to move for next season, which would free up salary cap room to help them keep the bulk of their team.
An Achilles injury in Penrith’s final game has clouded that move, but the Eels are believed to be keen on adding Talagi back to the club as early as next season. The plan is to initially play him in the centres with Parramatta have a lack of depth in their outside backs next year.
He would then move to five-eighth in 2028 when Jarome Luai leaves for PNG. Talagi’s younger brother Ryda made his NRL debut for Parramatta this year.
The Eels will also make a million dollar play for Newcastle centre Bradman Best next month.
Replies
I still have mixed feelings on Blaize. Not sure if he is quick enough for the outside backs including fullback.
In my view chasing Blaize isn't smart. Many have questions over his defence which opposing teams will no doubt exploit.
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