Western raid: Talagi epic set to end with Panthers poaching Eels junior

The long-running Blaize Talagi signing saga seems set to end as soon as this week, with the young gun junior telling Parramatta he’ll be leaving the Eels—and it looks like he’s bound for western archrivals the Panthers.

Talagi told the Eels he would be leaving on Wednesday, with the club then updating Parramatta fans with a sombre statement on the organisation’s website soon after.

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“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,” Eels chief executive Jim Sarantinos said. “While we’re disappointed, particularly given the opportunities provided to Blaize during his time at the club, we wish him all the best.”

Reports now suggest Talagi (and his little brother) will move the short distance to the foot of the mountains, taking up offered deals from three-time NRL champions the Penrith Panthers.

The Dragons and Knights were also in the mix, but appear to have been turned down.

#NRL whispers 🟡🔵⚡ Blaize Talagi has told @TheParraEels he won't be staying at the club. Top destination now shapes as @PenrithPanthers. Dragons and Knights have already been told they're out of the signing race pic.twitter.com/XdOBStoidm

— The Sporting Base – NRL (@BaseNrl) July 31, 2024

The Sporting Base has heard many within the Eels power structure had already resigned themselves to losing local junior Talagi after he told the club he wouldn’t be activating a key extension clause in his deal earlier this season.

It’s been panic stations in Parramatta for some time now, with incoming head coach Jason Ryles even holding meetings with the 19-year-old and his family before he’d even go his feet under the desk. He showed the star outside back his plan for the Eels future—a sales pitch that doesn’t seem to have done enough to keep the shining junior.

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Talagi’s final destination has yet to be officially announced, but with all signs pointing to the Panthers it’s likely only a matter of time before the reigning premiers unveiling their acquisition.