Panthers star signing Blaize Talagi is set to miss out on the No. 6 jersey for the team’s Las Vegas opener this weekend, with coach Ivan Cleary expected to name Jack Cole in the halves alongside Nathan Cleary.
Talagi signed a three-year-deal with the Panthers and is anticipated to be the club’s long-term replacement for Jarome Luai, but there’s a sense the 19-year-old isn’t quite ready to make his Panthers debut.
Panthers playmaker Blaize Talagi.Credit: Getty Images
Teammate Dylan Edwards said it was only a matter of time before Talagi had his turn.
“He’s still really learning and really trying to just take everything in here as well,” Edwards said after a training session on Monday US time.
“So, it’s probably a good time for him just to bide his time and see how it all plays out. But Blaize is a quality player and he’ll get his shot eventually, and I’m sure he’ll take that with both hands. It’s not a matter of if, it’s a matter of when.”
Jack Cole in the world club challenge last year.Credit: Getty
However, Edwards said that Cole, who played for the Panthers in the world club challenge last year, would be a reliable choice in the halves.
“I think the club recruited really well, it shows great depth that we’ve got here to be able to sort of substitute Romey [Luai] in for someone like Blaize or Jack Cole. Obviously, it hurts losing Romey, but there are some great players there ready to fill.”
“He’s [Cole] trained really well in the off-season and gets his opportunity, and he’ll be really good for us.”
Brian To’o is also in doubt, with the four-time premiership winning winger nursing a hamstring injury.
“I’m not sure [about To’o],” Edwards said. “He’s with the rehab crew at the moment. Hopefully he’s ready to go…they keep me in the dark just as much as you guys.
“He didn’t do anything with the team today, so, a lot the guys this sort of early stage of the week are doing their own bits and pieces, what they need to get done, but have to wait and see. I’m not sure.”
“In my opinion he’s the best winger in the comp, so that would be a massive loss.”
Prop Liam Henry also won’t play as he continues to come back from a shoulder injury.
The Herald’s travel expenses to Las Vegas have been partly funded by the NRL.
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