Blaize Talagi opens up on Panthers future ahead of Eels homecoming: ‘We’ll see what happens’

The past, present and future are colliding for off-contract Panthers five-eighth Blaize Talagi as he prepares to face his former club Parramatta for the fourth time — and second time this season — on Thursday night at CommBank Stadium.

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The 21-year-old has yet to taste defeat against his old team, winning all three previous encounters including a commanding 48-20 victory back in Round 4.

“It’s always been a big game, the battle of the west, I’ve been on both sides,” Talagi said from Panthers training.

“I enjoy going up against them, it’s good to see some (familiar) faces but it’s a new challenge this week and we’ll be up for it.”

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Talagi came through the Parramatta system and was part of the star-laden 2023 SG Ball winning Eels side that also featured Raiders No.7 Ethan Sanders and Perth Bears signing Apa Twidle.

He made his NRL debut for the Eels in 2024 before being sensationally poached by the Panthers on a three-year deal from 2025.

Like many of his current Panthers teammates, that means Talagi is coming off contract on November 1 and the young star was asked about his future plans.

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“I haven’t really thought about it, the whole team has stuff going on,” he said.

“But obviously you never want to leave the club you’re at, there’s still a lot of footy ahead, we’ll see what happens.”

Talagi admitted it feels different to when he came off contract with the Eels back in 2024 as a 19-year-old rookie and chose not to trigger a player option to remain with Parramatta.

“This is my second year here (Penrith) and I feel like I’ve really built a home for myself, I’m really enjoying my time here,” he said.

“I guess you don’t want to change when things are going well.”

Asked if Ivan Cleary’s planned departure as Panthers head coach at the end of next season might influence his decision to re-sign for 2028 and beyond, Talagi again said he hasn’t too much thought about it. 

“It feels so far away, we have another year and I don’t really think too far ahead.”

For now, thinking about Thursday night and beating his old club once again will do just fine.

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