Rising star Blaize Talagi will leave Parramatta and is poised to join western Sydney rivals Penrith in an early setback for incoming coach Jason Ryles.
Talagi this week informed the club he will not accept their offer and will instead explore other opportunities. It is a huge blow for Ryles, who had made Talagi’s signing a priority.
Rising star Blaize Talagi will leave Parramatta and is poised to join western Sydney rivals Penrith in an early setback for incoming coach Jason Ryles.
Talagi this week informed the club he will not accept their offer and will instead explore other opportunities. It is a huge blow for Ryles, who had made Talagi’s signing a priority.
To’o’s management met with Panthers officials on Wednesday morning to discuss his future despite being under contract until the end of 2027.
Some of To’o’s closest friends have left Penrith in recent years, including Stephen Crichton (Bulldogs) and Spencer Leniu (Roosters), while Jarome Luai and Sunia Turuva are bound for the Tigers next year.
To’o’s management met with Panthers officials on Wednesday morning to discuss his future despite being under contract until the end of 2027.
Some of To’o’s closest friends have left Penrith in recent years, including Stephen Crichton (Bulldogs) and Spencer Leniu (Roosters), while Jarome Luai and Sunia Turuva are bound for the Tigers next year.
Parramatta did everything they could to retain the 19-year-old, who is a contender for Dally M Rookie of the Year after starring for an Eels side trying to avoid the wooden spoon after sacking coach Brad Arthur.
Talagi has played in every position across the backline bar halfback so far this year, and Ryles had pitched the prospect of him taking over the No.1 jersey long term in a bit to retain him.
He has scored nine tries in just 14 games and has been named in the centres for Parramatta’s clash with the Warriors in New Zealand on Friday night.
Talagi’s impending capture is the second major signing for the Panthers next year after Tigers forward Isaiah Papali’i was released from the remainder of his contract to join Penrith.
Luai, Turuva and James Fisher-Harris (Warriors) will leave the three-time defending premiers at the end of the season.
Replies
Great news. Now eels have the extra money to extend Lussick and Lane's contracts. Well done Parra.
All I can say is glad it's over! If his contract negs was a bum fight like this, this time, imagine what's it's like next time around ie when he can defend and respectfully catch a clean bomb?
Going from Luai to talagi at 5/8 will hurt Penrith. Daine laurie surely plays there
They can extend Matto too lucative 5 yr deal 😂
Apparently it's a package deal for Blaize and his brother.
I would be dropping Talagi to the reserve grade bench for the rest of the year.
Look Blaize might turn out to be an absolute gun but I really haven't seen what all the hype has been about. If he is the best junior we had coming through then our junior development needs so much work. Good luck to the kid I hope he has a successful career but I was amazed we would move Gutho to accomodate his demands. See ya Blaize and Issac Moses.
Media outlets are creaming themselves on this loss. ffs the fwits that are rugby league so called Journos
James Hooper " the biggest talent in 10 years lost "