He was being groomed as the long-term successor to fullback Clint Gutherson, but Blaize Talagi will leave the Eels and join their bitter rivals.
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.Talagi was offered the chance to succeed Clint Gutherson as the Eels’ long-term fullback, but will consider other offers. St George Illawarra and Newcastle were among the clubs jockeying for his signature, although the former have been told they have been unsuccessful in their bid.
“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,” said Parramatta Eels CEO Jim Sarantinos.“While we are disappointed, particularly given the opportunities provided to Blaize during his time at the club, we wish him all the best.”
Talagi’s likely move further west is likely to increase speculation about the future of Brian To’o following reports the NSW winger is considering his future.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Panthers poised to pounce on Talagi in fresh blow for EelsHe was being groomed as the long-term successor to fullback Clint Gutherson, but Blaize Talagi will leave the Eels and join their bitter rivals.
Read more »
Fresh blow for Eels as Talagi knocks back lucrative extensionHe was being groomed as the long-term successor to fullback Clint Gutherson, but Blaize Talagi will leave the Eels after knocking back an offer worth $1.5 million.
Read more »
Ryles’ new Eels era won’t include Barrett as Talagi offered fullback chanceThe incoming Parramatta coach has opted for a clean break from the Brad Arthur era, while making a final pitch to highly rated youngster Blaize Talagi.
Read more »
Ryles’ new Eels era won’t include Barrett as Talagi offered fullback chanceThe incoming Parramatta coach has opted for a clean break from the Brad Arthur era, while making a final pitch to highly rated youngster Blaize Talagi.
Read more »
Ryles set for immediate Storm release amid incoming Eels coach’s crucial Talagi meetingNRL: Third generation rugby league player Jamie Humphreys has scored on debut but it has been shrouded in controversy after Saab's rogue pass.
Read more »
Josh Mansour urges Parramatta Eels to make Blaize Talagi earn fullback spot off Clint Gutherson despite skipper's commentsBlaize Talagi is touted as the next great thing in the NRL, but Josh Mansour believes that doesn't mean Clint Gutherson should give the young gun his spot.
Read more »