Penrith Panthers can confirm Waqa Blake has been granted an immediate release from his contract to pursue an opportunity with Parramatta Eels.
The 24-year-old centre won back-to-back premierships at Panthers as a member of the club’s NYC side in 2013 and NSW Cup side in 2014.
He made his NRL debut the following year and played 88 NRL games in his time at the club.
“Panthers was initially approached by Parramatta to express their interest in acquiring the services of Waqa Blake,” Panthers CEO Brian Fletcher said.
“Ultimately it was a difficult decision to grant Waqa’s release but it will assist the management of our salary cap moving forward.
“We extend our sincere thanks to Waqa for his contribution at Panthers and wish him the best of luck for the future.”
Replies
can parras website confirm this please.
Can can I say Hooray now
Recruitment seems to have improved from last year when Arthur had reduced powers.
Happy with Waqa signing; though it's not without risks.
Must say, I was extremely sceptical regarding O'Niell's recruitment as Football GM ad he has zero pedigree in that position. As well as Bernie's, Athur's, Jim's, McElduff's etc ability to recruit well - but they are not doing too badly.
Because none of them have any real successful, winning football club-building pedigree in their respective positions (Bernie had Politis and Football GM Canavan some of the best footy operators at the Roosters in 2002).
Time will tell in the long term.
I think it probably has more to do with the fact that BA doesn't have to do everything himself now. It's pretty common knowledge that our footy department was massively under resourced last year.
Yep, you're probably right Brett. Well, you did tell me to "Trust The Process". I'm not sold yet, but I'm open to possibilities lol. I want to see a consistently successful winning culture, before I wave the Unicorn Flag again.
Yep. I don't know how an NRL coach can possibly find the time to talent scout, negotiate contracts, liaise with player managers, report to the club, front the media, liaise with players, conduct one-on-one with players, review past matches and performances, AS WELL AS devise plans for the upcoming games. Something had to give. I'm happy that BA is now focused only on the team performances with a bit of media thrown in.
Yep Longfin. Great points.
Maybe something good came out of last year's review after all.
But big-picture wise, looking at the forest, there's still a hell of a lot of work to be done.
We're still a Jeckyl-Hyde multiple personality team, which suggests there are problems somewhere: cattle skill, confidence, or atttitude; coaching; internal politics; cultural and/or a lack of bona-fide winning leadership from the top-down.
Hell on eels there is no denying the recruitment has been good - excellent and certainly much improved. As to who is responsible for this, that is unknwon but you would think mjority of it would come dwo nto the name you have listed above. This is the basis of our recruitment over the last 18 months
If you ask me that is pretty good recruitment wise, although personally doesnt really count for much considering all the dud signings we have had in the past although obviously these signings show that we are improving.
The last piece of the puzzle is obviosuly a gun FRF. Then to "Frame" the puzzle we need a capable coach who is able to improve those excellent recruits and develop and nuture young talent.
Whilst i am patient with BA at the end of the day is he going to be able to deliver us a premership. I think not. His inability to improve most players that come to the club is concerning as well as his develop young talent into superstars. E.g. craig bellamy with Brandon Smith. Dont get wrong i definitey think with BA coaching for the next two years that we will improve into i think a consistent top eight side. But at the end of the day if he doesnt have a ability ceiling of a premiership is the coach to take us into the future
The recruitment has improved because
1. There is now stability in the board and management because the factions have been totally shut out. No leaks or persons putting themselves before the club. Max can stay as long as he likes imo.
2. New stadium facilities best in the NRL.
3. Future center of excellence proves the club is heading in the right direction.
The stable situation which has already attracted some good signings, will only snowball into Parramatta becoming a more attractive destination, & more sponsors jumping on board.
Fans must now absouloutly behind Gurr and the board. The selfishness on the past factions we're the major reason the club fell over throughout the 2000s.
Don't believe this bs that Steve Sharp ruined the club. The factional pretenders we're behind every downfall since early 2000. Yes Sharp had his deficiencies, but the current setup with Gurr will set up this club to become top 6 regulars
Yes it has improved but in the past we have signed players on overs, has been players and players who dont deliver. this current group of signings is evidence of a balance of good players who live up to their price tag as well as players who may not be the best in their position but provide a good service and value for money
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