Blaize Talagi will be spending the next couple of weeks learning from the superstar he will replace.
Talagi has joined Jarome Luai in Samoan camp for their upcoming tour of England after a breakout rookie season. A rare bright spot in an otherwise disappointing campaign for Parramatta, Talagi made 19 NRL appearances. It took only a handful of those to convince the Eels he was their future, to the point where they were prepared to hand him the fullback jersey that had belonged to captain Clint Gutherson.
Instead of accepting a lucrative contract extension at the blue and golds, Talagi grabbed a three-year deal at Penrith, where he will become the halves partner for champion No.7 Nathan Cleary.
In doing so, he will pull on the No.6 jumper that Luai has worn during Penrith’s streak of four-straight premierships. Samoan selection has given the 19-year-old the chance to represent his culture, as well as learning from the Tigers-bound Luai before making his Panthers debut.
“All the sixes look up to the top guys in the game,” Talagi said. “Jarome’s one of them and he does so many things I can learn from him.
Blaize Talagi works with Jarome Luai in Samoan camp.Credit: Rhett Wyman
“I’m looking forward to being a real sponge and taking in a lot of things from him. He’s definitely someone to look up to and a leader of the group.
“He’s played with Nathan for so long and whatever I can learn from him, I’ll take in. I’m looking forward to it.
“He’s left a good club and I’m looking forward to going over there and just working hard and keeping my head down.”
It is a huge task for a teenager to fill the void left by Luai, a star for Penrith, NSW and Samoa. However, Luai feels the Panthers are on a winner with his replacement.
“I’m looking forward to being a real sponge and taking in a lot of things from [Jarome Luai].”
Panthers recruit Blaize Talagi
“My shoes? No one can fill these shoes, brother,” Luai said with a laugh before praising his successor.
“I’ve seen what he can do on the field. He’s a lot quieter than I am; hopefully I can bring that out in camp, he can let his hair down and be himself around the boys.
“He’s got strike with the ball and he’s got the talent to make things happen out of nothing. He’s one to watch for the future.”
Luai added he is happy to pass on advice about playing at the Panthers alongside Cleary.
“Definitely, that’s what I’m here for,” he said.
Eels rookie Blaize Talagi was a rare positive in an otherwise ordinary season for Parramatta.Credit: NRL Photos
“I think the best players are happy to share their experiences with the younger generation and be better as well. That’s what I want to do as a leader.”
Talagi said it was a difficult decision to knock back an offer from Parramatta, where he had played all of his junior football, to instead link with their western rivals.
“It was very tough,” he said. “That decision, whatever process I had to go through, is one of the toughest moments that I’ve gone through – it wasn’t easy.
“It was really about what’s gonna be best for me and my career.
“At the end of the day, Parra did a lot for me, and I’m very grateful, but I had to choose what’s right for me. That’s what I did at the end of the day.”
Talagi’s 18-year-old brother, Ryda, is a promising Parramatta forward who the club is keen to retain. Talagi said his move wouldn’t impact on Ryda’s future, but hoped both would be able to one day play together.
“Of course, that’s something that not only I, but my whole family would love to see,” he said.
“My sister’s at Wenty [Wentworthville] playing club footy. She’s 15 now. Who knows? All three of us at the same club would be awesome.”
Having played multiple positions in his debut season, Talagi said he was looking forward to playing alongside Cleary in the halves.
“Just the way he controls the team, he’s so calm,” Talagi said. “You just have to worry about yourself and your job.
“I’m looking forward to being part of the squad and being at Penrith.”
The Pacific Championships is Live and free on Channel 9 & 9Now
