Prior to replacing the Tigers recruit in the Panthers backline for the 2025 campaign, Panthers recruit Blaize Talagi will be a “sponge,” picking up tips from Jarome Luai. For the next two weeks, Talagi and Luai will go to England with Samoa to play a two-match series against Shaun Wane’s team. The 19-year-old sharpshooter turned down a lucrative extension to stay with the Parramatta club after a fantastic season for the Eels.
He chose to join with the Eels’ cross-town rivals instead, and he will now flank Nathan Cleary in a new halves duo at the base of the mountain. But for the time being, Talagi is only interested in picking up as much knowledge as he can from Luai, who has played alongside some of the finest in the NRL.
Being a true sponge and learning a lot from him is something I’m looking forward to. He leads the group and is undoubtedly someone to aspire to. He’s played with Nathan for a long time, and I’ll absorb anything he can teach me. I’m excited about it. “I’m excited to go over there and just work hard and keep my head down because he left a good club.”
Prior to the 2025 season, Luai agreed to a five-year contract with the Tigers, and Brad Schneider and emerging talent Jack Cole were predicted to compete for his unclaimed No. 6 jersey. But after playing for the Panthers, Luai is supporting his Samoan buddy to start strong.
