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 an operation on his knee during last week’s bye round, 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.
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.
