Penrith Panthers in bombshell development as Blaize Talagi confirms Parramatta Eels exit

The Parramatta Eels have confirmed young gun Blaize Talagi will be departing the club at the end of the NRL season, and the club reportedly believes he'll sign with the Panthers. The 19-year-old's future has been the source of much speculation over the last few months, with reports linking him to a number of rival clubs.

And in a monumental blow for incoming coach Jason Ryles, the Eels confirmed on Wednesday that Talagi had informed management he won't be accepting their offer for next season. The teenager made his NRL debut earlier this season, and has been a shining light for the club mired at the bottom of the ladder.

After initially knocking back an option to stay for next season, Talagi had attracted interest from multiple rival clubs before Wednesday's decision. "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 said in 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 now rife about where he will sign, and Danny Weidler of Channel 9 has reported it will likely be 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 wrote on social media. "Not confirmed. Have called Panthers - no response."

Talagi ideally wants to be a fullback in the NRL, but has been forced to play on the wing and at centre due to presence of Eels captain Clint Gutherson. The youngster will likely play anywhere just to sign with the Panthers, who have won three-straight premierships. Reports emerged earlier this month that Talagi and his brother had been spotted at the home of Penrith coach Ivan Cleary.

Massive blow for Parramatta Eels as Blaize Talagi departs

Re-signing Talagi had been one of the top priorities for Ryles, who has signed a four-year deal to take over as Parramatta coach from next season. But his departure is a massive blow for the former Dragons, Storm and Roosters player.

The vast majority of the Parramatta squad is off contract at the end of 2025, with only Junior Paulo, Mitch Moses and incoming centre Zac Lomax locked in for 2026 and beyond. However there are lingering thoughts that Lomax might try to backflip and stay at the Dragons.

Last week, interim Eels coach Trent Barrett smacked down calls to shift Gutherson from fullback. “Gutho will be the fullback for the rest of the year,” Barrett said ahead of the Eels' clash against the Storm. "There’s been a lot of talk about Blaize, but Blaize is a young player that we need to look after. He’s got a big future, but where his best position is, down the track that’s not my call.

“This year, I see him as a centre. I probably see him more as a five-eighth and a centre than a fullback. Gutho has been a great player for this club for a long time, so some of it I’ve found a little bit disrespectful with the commentary around him. He’s our captain and he’s the heart and soul of the joint and we love him. Those conversations and hearing all that stuff can’t be easy for him. He’s been here a long time and I think he deserves some respect.”

Gutherson had earlier 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."