Just days after losing Blaize Talagi to the Panthers, the Eels have stepped up their interest in Penrith’s boom young fullback Isaiah Iongi in a bid to make him incoming coach Jason Ryles’ first major signing.
Iongi, who made his NRL debut a fortnight ago, has been identified by the Eels as a long-term fullback option for the club after Talagi walked out on Parramatta to link with their western Sydney rivals from next year.
The decision from the Eels’ local junior was considered a savage blow for Ryles, but Parramatta has quickly shifted their attention to Queensland-raised Iongi, who has been a standout for Penrith in the NSW Cup for the last two seasons.
Iongi still has a year remaining on his deal at Penrith, but given he’s behind Australian and NSW representative Dylan Edwards and utility Daine Laurie, the Panthers are unlikely to stand in his way if he wants to pursue a full-time NRL gig elsewhere.
Iongi impressed during his top grade debut against the Knights earlier this month and is considered ready for the regular demands of the NRL.
His potential addition to the Eels ranks – following in the footsteps of J’maine Hopgood, who was also starved for consistent NRL action at Penrith – would give Ryles the option of shifting Clint Gutherson to another backline position.
Ryles has already told veteran prop Reagan Campbell-Gillard he is free to leave before the end of his contract next year, with North Queensland and St George Illawarra expressing an interest in luring him to their clubs.
Back-rower Ryan Matterson and winger Maika Sivo have also been granted permission to explore their options elsewhere.
The Eels have already started dialogue with five-eighth Dylan Brown’s management about taking up an option on his contract beyond the end of next season to avoid him fielding offers from rival clubs for the 2026 season.
But Iongi seems the most realistic option to come into the club externally, with the Panthers aware of the Eels’ overtures.
Talagi is expected to vie for the vacant five-eighth role alongside Nathan Cleary at the Panthers next year, with Iongi seen by Eels recruiters as a ready-made replacement to add speed to a backline seeking more pace.
Speaking after his NRL debut, Iongi said: “It was unreal. It was more than I can imagine.
“I’m still learning from Dylan Edwards. He’s the best of the best. I’m happy to bide my time behind him and learn from him.
“The cramps got me a beauty at the end [of the game], I couldn’t even stand up at one stage. But managed to come through with the goods.”
https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/nrl-round-24-around-the-clubs-20240811-p5k1fj.html
Replies
And how much more money will Parramatta have to pay to get him to take up the option? No chance he is going to take up the option and take himself off the market without asking for a bump in cash , he is already on overs so only god knows what Parra will pay.
Well if he wants more money, he automatically cannot take the option as it would already be assigned a certain salary. He would need to decline and renegotiate.
DB gains absolutely nothing from taking up his options now and I'd be shocked if he took up his option before going on the market to see if he can get more cash .
His contract was designed as a insurance policy so he has security for 8 years , while at the same time giving him the option to seek a better deal from another club or Parramatta .
Hope they get his signature. He has potential and it would be good to get one back at the panthers.
He is a much better 1 than Blaize .
Signing Blaize as a fullback option was a panic move we should be glad didn't work out .
I don't know why the media keep saying Talagi is a fb lol. They know absolutely stuff all about the modern game
Well difference is Iongi is a Fullback by trade. Came through system as a Fullback. Talagi is a Fullback in learning. Though i felt he could be decent at 1, Gould's comments were damning saying he does not see him as a Fullback.
Iongi, 265 metres and 8 tackle breaks, on debut? Yes please.
Blaize is no Jerome Luai that's for sure. Unless Cleary is crazy, no way Blaize is guarantee that No 6 jersey next year.
I agree Mutts, Edwards has fullback locked up, McLean and Tago are great centres and To'o has 1 wing wrapped up, so either 5/8 or replace Turuva on the wing are the only opportunities. I would gladly welcome either Tago or McLean if Blaize ends up at cente for them.
He will go well playing 5/8 with Cleary there, but Luai has developed over the past 2 years playing more first receiver giving Cleary more space and kicking more. I don't think Blaize can play that role as he hasn't had time to develop and learn how to manage and understand the game yet.
Also is Cleary injury prone now picking up another serious shoulder injury tonight. I'm not sure how Blaize would go as a 5/8 outside a back up rookie 7 so he better hope Cleary stays fit or he could be dropped. Penrith have produced plenty of good halves so Blaize will get there eventually but maybe he will be in Reggies a bit next year if he struggles in the halves.
At least here he had opportunities over numerous positions with a club needing to take chances and forgive mistakes. The triple and possible 4 times champs will not be as forgiving of Blaizes defensive issues letting him develop in the NRL. They will drop him as they have talent in lower grades.
Before he signed with the Panthers I predicted he'd be spending significant time in Panthers reggies and I stand by that. To expect to just slot into Luai's No 6 jersey (which is undoubtedly what they sold him) is fantasy. He may get first crack at it but they wont take lightly to errors or losses. As you say, there is a heap of depth at Penrith and I'm sure there are rookies as good, if not better than Blaize today itching for a shot.
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