Billy Slater, a renowned figure in rugby league, has expressed his belief that the Penrith Panthers should consider integrating young talent Blaize Talagi into their squad following three consecutive losses. This disappointing streak, capped by their defeat to the Rabbitohs in round four, marks the first time the Panthers have faced such a decline since 2019, prompting coach Ivan Cleary to reassess his strategy.
Despite being highly touted as one of the best emerging players in the game, Talagi has had limited on-field exposure this season, participating in just one NRL match against the Storm, where he came off the bench for 73 minutes. Slater has raised questions about why Talagi has not been more utilised, particularly after he showcased his skills as a five-eighth in the NSW Cup over the weekend.
“Blaize Talagi was one of the standout rookies last season, and there are ample opportunities for him to feature in the team,” Slater remarked during his podcast, indicating that the Panthers need to identify a suitable role for the young player. He also speculated whether Talagi’s limited appearances might stem from fitness issues following a challenging pre-season that included shoulder surgery.
Talagi’s arrival at the Panthers coincided with the departure of Jarome Luai to the Tigers, highlighting the ongoing roster changes as the club navigates the salary cap after securing four premierships in a row. Slater pointed out that this continuous turnover has inevitably impacted the team’s dynamics.
He noted that key players like Nathan Cleary and Dylan Edwards significantly influence the team’s performance. Their absence, coupled with the loss of several top-tier players such as Stephen Crichton and Api Koroisau, has left a noticeable void. “We always knew this day would come where a lack of depth was going to be felt, especially with the team losing multiple high-calibre players,” Slater explained.
Amidst the turmoil, he acknowledged that although the Panthers are struggling, it’s not time for alarm just yet. “It’s certainly a concern, but I wouldn’t call it panic stations,” he affirmed. The team appears to be grappling with numerous errors and is not performing to their potential, but Slater remained cautiously optimistic regarding their ability to recover.
As Penrith looks to pivot from this slump, incorporating talents like Talagi into the lineup could prove crucial in revitalising their season and restoring their competitive edge.