The Eels have announced Talagi will be departing at the end of the NRL season.
Blaize Talagi, a promising young player, will leave the Parramatta Eels at the end of the NRL season and is expected to join the Panthers. The 19-year-old’s future has sparked intrigue, with speculations linking him to several rival teams.
On Wednesday, the Eels announced that Talagi will not accept their offer for next season, a significant blow to incoming coach Jason Ryles. The teenager made his NRL debut earlier this season and has been a bright spot for the team, which is at the bottom of the league.
Talagi has drawn interest from a number of other teams before to Wednesday’s decision, after initially declining an offer to stay for next season. “The club made a very strong offer to Blaize, provided a clear path for his football future and consistently made it clear to Blaize and his family that we wanted him to be part of the club long-term.” Parramatta CEO Jim Sarantinos issued a statement. “While we are disappointed, particularly given the opportunities provided to Blaize during his time at the club, we wish him all the best.”
Blaize Talagi linked with Penrith Panthers
Speculation is widespread over where he will sign, with Danny Weidler of Channel 9 reporting that it will most likely be with the Panthers. “Word out of Eels is they think Blaze Talagi will head to Panthers … but this is just the discussion coming out of Parra,” he said in a tweet. “Not confirmed.” “I called Panthers and received no response.”
Talagi aspires to be a fullback in the NRL, but has been forced to play on the wing and center due to the presence of Eels captain Clint Gutherson. The teenager will most likely play anywhere simply to sign with the Panthers, who have won three consecutive premierships. Earlier this month, Talagi and his brother were photographed at Penrith coach Ivan Cleary’s home.
Massive blow for Parramatta Eels as Blaize Talagi departs
Re-signing Talagi was a primary priority for Ryles, who has inked a four-year contract to take over as Parramatta coach beginning next season. However, his departure is a significant setback for the former Dragons, Storm, and Roosters player.
The great majority of the Parramatta side is out of contract at the end of 2025, with just Junior Paulo, Mitch Moses, and incoming centre Zac Lomax signed up for 2026 and beyond. However, there is speculation that Lomax may return to the Dragons.
Last week, interim Eels coach Trent Barrett rejected requests to move Gutherson from fullback. “Gutho will be the fullback for the rest of the year,” Barrett declared before the Eels’ game against the Storm. “There’s a lot of discussion about Blaize, but he’s a young guy who we need to watch out for. He has a bright future, but where he fits best in the future is not up to me.
“This year, I see him as the center. I probably view him as a five-eighth and a centre rather than a fullback. Gutho has been a wonderful player for our club for a long time, thus some of the comments surrounding him has struck me as insulting. He’s our captain, the heart and spirit of the joint, and we adore him. He must have found it difficult to listen to those chats. He’s been here for a long time, and I believe he deserves some respect.”
Gutherson had previously stated: “I couldn’t care less (where I play); I’ve said that my entire career. I just enjoy playing, whether it’s off the bench, on the wing, or anywhere. I simply enjoy playing football, and I’ve always stated that if the coach believes it’s necessary, I’ll move.
“That’s something for the incoming staff to consider. There are many older lads there who may or may not receive a touch on the shoulder; it is simply the way things are, and you must deal with it. I’m no different than any other player here; if they want me to change positions, I’m more than willing to.”
