Former Eels junior Blaize Talagi is at a cross roads in his career. Upon debuting for the Eels in 2024 as a 19 year old, he would go on to play 19 games in his rookie season, playing Fullback, Wing, Centre and Five-Eighth. Talagi had an option in his favour for 2025, upon which he turned down for a chance to partner Nathan Cleary at Penrith. Sounded like a sweet deal, go to the best organisation in Australian sport to hone your craft alongside a future immortal.
Issue is, it has not been all rosey for Blaize. Starting with him being left out of the Panthers squad to start 2025, with Cleary wanting him to refine his technique in defence. Eventually, Blaize broke his way into the Penrith 6 role after a string of losses and Jack Cole being dropped. He held the spot for most of the year, but was dropped for their prelim against Brisbane. That was the first true indication that Ivan Cleary did not fully trust Blaize. That seeped into this season where his defensive deficiencies being shown more and more, becoming something that this great Penrith squad has rarely had this decade, a weakness. Teams would send back-rowers his way creating overlaps on the outside.
With one year left on his deal, Talagi has been told he is free to go. Now whether that is they want him as depth for 2027 and free to go for 2028 or if he finds somewhere immediately they will not stand in his way. Though it seems for sure, Talagi's time at Penrith will be done, not a matter of if but when. Of course we have been linked to Blaize, for a few reasons. Firstly, he is an Eels junior and debuted for us. Secondly, positional needs at Five-Eighth and Centre and finally Ryda is signed at the club til 2029.
So with that, is Blaize worth the investment? Well to me, yeah i think he is. Now Paul Kent on his podcast mentioned that Parramatta's recruitment of late seems to be "They are available, let's get them". Now i understand what he is trying to say, though i disagree with it slightly. Is this a scenario of what Kent said? Perhaps, but also he would complain that we need to sign players, but when we do it is we are desperate. Anyway, is Blaize a reactionary signing? Well no as Blaize has positional variety to his game.
Blaize is 22 next year, his body has only stopped developing fully. He has a lot more time to grow as a player. He has a lot of potential. Attacking wise, his game is great. He is a good runner of the ball. I feel he can be a great Five-Eighth in the NRL. Can be, doesn't mean he will be. Though for us, if he is happy with it, can provide value for us off the bench even. He can fill in the halves. He can play Centre. He can play Wing and also play Fullback. With Joash Papali'i leaving, we have a need for a back-up Fullback for Isaiah Iongi. Talagi can be that for us. Now before you get your pitch forks out saying "He is too slow for Fullback" "He is a rubbish Fullback". I am merely saying as a back-up, he can do a job for us if asked. He is experienced in the NRL and has played it at the top level.
That versatility can be vital in a 30 man squad. Particularly for us where none of our Centres and Wingers, apart from JAC, are Fullback options. It also allows you an option for competition for 2028 at Five-Eighth. Yes we signed Volkman, he is a great back-up option this year as well for Moses as a 7. Come 2028, he could beat out Blaize, but competition is there.
Another point in favour of Talagi is if we are chasing Bradman Best for 2028, we need a Centre for 2027. Blaize can fill that role if needed. With Penisini already in one spot and Samrani could take the other or play Wing or on the bench as a back-row option, Blaize again gives Ryles flexibility. Adds competition for other roles.
Now, why would Blaize come to Parra? Well not many options out there for him, particularly if he wants to play 5/8. In the competition right now, the only teams that might consider him as a 5/8 or a project for 5/8 would be Perth, Wests, maybe Melbourne with Munster uncertain and maybe NQ if Dearden goes. But not much clear cut for him. He might be happy to return just to stay close to home and also Ryda being a big factor. Penrith pushed hard for Ryda, pretty much as a reason for chasing Blaize was to get Ryda as a package with him. Ryda staying was a big plus for us, now to use Ryda to get Blaize back will put us in a good spot to get Blaize on a team friendly deal. With limited options as a 5/8, we could get Blaize reletively cheap. Someone who has talent and is only 22 next year, getting cheap is an added bonus.
Should Parra go for Blaize? I say yes, versitility alone he is worth it. How many 21, soon to be 22 year olds come into a team with 60+ NRL games, that is a positive to build off. Yes, his time at Penrith didn't work out, but he still comes back to us as a better player than when he left. Since he can play Fullback, Centre and 5/8 alone is worth it. He is similar in versatility to Joash, but can play Centre and is more talented.
Replies
We don't need back ups.
Right so who will play Fullback of Iongi goes down? Great teams have great depth.
Iongi isn't a first grader fullback imo
I strongly disagree. He's been improving year or year. He'll be ever better next year. Unlucky with his injury to miss half the season stalling his development. Full back is probably the most demanding position was you must have consistancy both sides of the field. Read opposition plays defensively and be super fit. Has only 38 NRL games under his belt. Not even 2 full seasons.
I was disappointed with Iongi this year. Round 2 v Brisbane showed his quality. But he has a way to go. 2027 is a big year as it will show if he is up to it fully or not.
Second year players can fall into the bracket of 2nd year syndrome with their bodies breaking down, fatigue and then injuries for him then having to get back into rhythm can be difficult.
No excuses this year though.
Iongi a pretty good fullback but our spine is constantly changing and other players keep hip dropping him. Hopefully 2027 we have a settled spine and no one sits on legs lol
Hammer meet nail.
Continuity is key throughout this side we can't keep. Hopping and changing and expect to win it's just not happening.
With Luai as an example we are swapping him out after next year so we are still in that trying to find Browns replacement.
Defensively also combinations are important especially on the edge the sooner we get settled the better.
Well disagree, but that point is still irrelevant to the point that we need more options at Fullback if Iongi is out.
Whether you think he is quality or not, he is our starter for next year at least, we need someone who can cover. If you get Blaize, he can cover for 2027 if needed. Not ideal but can do it.
AI Mode conversation:
Yet the panthers have had him in the halves
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