An interesting read. SMH.
We want him here’: Parramatta offer rookie Talagi three-year deal
By Christian Nicolussi
Parramatta have offered Blaize Talagi a three-year deal as the Eels rookie prepares for his first hit-out in his preferred No.1 jersey.
Plenty of fans inside CommBank Stadium on Friday night will be excited to see Broncos superstar Reece Walsh in full flight – but they could also be witnessing the start of a new era for the Eels, with Talagi in line to succeed Clint Gutherson.
The Eels captain had knee surgery, which will now keep him on the sidelines for up to a month.
Talagi, 19, has played five-eighth and centre in the NRL this season, but is keen to become the regular fullback. The local junior has an option in his favour for 2025, but is reportedly prepared to test the open market.
Talagi’s management has been investigating options for the 19-year-old, drawing criticism from Brad Fittler. “Geez, they leave quick,” the former NSW coach said on Freddy and the Eighth. “He’s come up as a [local junior], Parramatta have given him an opportunity, and his manager is out there flogging him to other clubs.”
The Eels, though, see Talagi as a big part of their future, offering him a deal that will keep him at Parramatta until the end of 2027. Coach Brad Arthur is a big admirer of the youngster.768px)" />
Blaize Talagi has been offered a three-year deal by the Eels.CREDIT: GETTY IMAGES
“Blaize spent time at fullback in both our trials, he can beat people with the ball, and he’s got no fear – physically he’s tough for his age,” Arthur told this masthead. “Fullback is a hard position. It took Gutho years to master it.
“So we know Blaize will get things wrong, he will get his numbers wrong in defence he will be caught out of position with kicks, but the only way you learn and get experience is by playing.
which will now keep him on the sidelines for up to a month.
Talagi, 19, has played five-eighth and centre in the NRL this season, but is keen to become the regular fullback. The local junior has an option in his favour for 2025, but is reportedly prepared to test the open market.
Talagi’s management has been investigating options for the 19-year-old, drawing criticism from Brad Fittler. “Geez, they leave quick,” the former NSW coach said on Freddy and the Eighth. “He’s come up as a [local junior], Parramatta have given him an opportunity, and his manager is out there flogging him to other clubs.
“Blaize spent time at fullback in both our trials, he can beat people with the ball, and he’s got no fear – physically he’s tough for his age,” Arthur told this masthead. “Fullback is a hard position. It took Gutho years to master it.
“So we know Blaize will get things wrong, he will get his numbers wrong in defence he will be caught out of position with kicks, but the only way you learn and get experience is by playing.
We want Blaize here at the club. We probably still don’t know what his best position is. Five-eighth, fullback, centre? Centre is probably the easiest position when you are starting out. But we want to keep him.”
Moving Gutherson to the centres would help the skipper to manage his troublesome knee. But Arthur won’t be hurried into making the switch. 
Blaize could learn a lot from Gutho, and wait his time. I wont pre-empt when that
move could happen,” Arthur said. “Gutho is still one of our most influential players and key to our performances.”
The absence of Gutherson means Dylan Brown becomes co-captain, while Sean Russell will take over the goal-kicking duties against Brisbane.
Brown has had the added responsibility of guiding the Eels around without Mitchell Moses, who is a chance to return from a foot fracture next weekend.
Arthur said Moses had been running on the anti-gravity treadmill, but would complete his first field session this weekend.
He’s a chance of playing Magic Round, if not the following week,” Arthur said.
“We’ll know more once we see him on the field; we won’t be selfish and rush him, and Mitch will know when he’s ready.”
As for Brown receiving the honour of leading the side out against the Broncos – Junior Paulo is also co-captain – Arthur said: “I ran it past Dyl on Thursday, and he doesn’t see the co-captaincy as extra pressure – nothing fazes him.
“He plays rugby league because he loves it and enjoys it. He might have to have a couple of conversations with the referee, but that will be it. His job won’t change. We’ve given this job because we have confidence in him.”
Replies
3 years wonder what the $$ are.
Wonder if it is back ended type deal
If the kid wants to succeed he needs to run as far away from Brad Arthur as possible , he needs to go to a club that has a coach and coaching staff who can guide the kid and give him the best chance of developing .
Parramatta has a football department and coaching staff that would fall below a group 6 level club , there are no winners at the eels .
This....
Changes needed urgently Fong.
Or be rid of Arthur and go all out for coach and staff to do this
But but but
fullback isn't his preferred position according to someone here with a sauce
Russell goal kicking again, good lord. Give it to Sanders for christ sakes.
I still don't know why that let Isaac Moses back in the NRL.
Maybe EA or others who closely watch reserve grade, can comment about Blaize as a 1. As a centre or 5/8 in NRL he has been unimpressive, with paper thin turnstile defence
at fullback, his last line of defence is horrible. His attack is okay but he does have errors in him. I would personally just tell him to push up for support this week as his attacking role. Whenever our forwards are offloading or DB is running, Talagi needs to be their in support. He has a decent ability to poke his head through and offload in attack
-
1
-
2
of 2 Next