Ivan Cleary's tetchy response amid eye-opening reports around Blaize Talagi and brother
A number of NRL clubs are looking at Blaize Talagi and his NRL future.
Panthers coach Ivan Cleary has attempted to quell reports he had a meeting with Eels superstar Blaize Talagi's agent and his brother as speculation grows around the exciting youngster's NRL future. The Eels have endured another horror season with Brad Arthur leaving his post as head coach after a poor run of performances.
Parramatta sit 16th with Jason Ryles taking over a struggling club next year with reports a number of players' positions are coming under question in the 2025 squad. And the Eels could be set to lose promising talent Talagi with unconfirmed reports his brother - forward Ryda Talagi - and agent had a meeting with Penrith coach Cleary.
There is speculation Ryda and Blaize could become a package deal for the next club they sign for, but Cleary has moved to quell any speculation around the reports. The Penrith coach was quick to shut down recruitment talk at his press conference. "I am not going to discuss recruitment today," Cleary said to reporters.
When pushed on what type of player Ryda is as a forward, Cleary hit back. "Is that recruitment?" he said. Incoming coach Ryles' first action is to reportedly try and secure the signing of Talagi past 2024. The young back's future is up-in-the-air for next year, but he could still stay at the Eels if he is convinced the team can turn around their fortune.
Although there are reports Dragons coach Shane Flanagan is interested in the Eels prodigy. And with the unconfirmed reports Cleary has met with Talagi's representatives, the race for the youngster's signature is taking off. Talagi has played 14 games in 2024 and has scored nine tries for the Eels.
Clint Gutherson full of praise for youngster Blaize Talagi
Talagi's impact at the Eels has been felt this year after Parramatta captain Clint Gutherson claimed he will give up the fullback spot if it resulted in the club could hanging onto the youngster. The teenage sensation burst onto the scene with a barnstorming display in the Eels' narrow Round 3 win over the Sea Eagles earlier this year.
Talagi also filled in with aplomb when Gutherson was out injured this year. Incoming back Zac Lomax is set to take one of the centre positions next year for the Eels. And with Ryles set to do what he can to maintain Talagi at the Eels, Gutherson said he would be willing to give up his fullback spot to convince the teen star to stay.
"Everyone is on notice now, which is exciting as well, but we're going to have to sort of have a big change going into pre-season, and I'm sure a lot will change," Gutherson said. "I couldn't care less (where I play), I've said it my whole career.
"I just love playing, whether it's off the bench, on the wing, anywhere. I just love playing footy, and from the get-go, I've always said I'll move if the coach thinks it's right. That's another thing for the new staff to come in and sort of make a decision on. There are a lot of older boys there who might get a tap on the shoulder, might not, it's just the way it is, and you have to deal with it. I'm no different to every other player here - if they want me to move position, I'm more than happy to."
