‘Something going on’: Mystery surrounds crucial Panthers call
Billy Slater believes there is “something going on” at the Panthers, with the future of young gun Blaize Talagi clouded heading into the NRL finals.
Talagi was dropped a few weeks ago in favour of Jack Cogger, who has since played in three games, winning two and losing one.
Blaize Talagi has been missing in recent weeks. Getty
The belief among many within the game including Phil Gould is that the 21-year-old was axed from the team due to his defence.
Even when Cogger was missing for the side’s round 23 loss to the Warriors due to personal reasons, Talagi was still overlooked by Penrith coach Ivan Cleary, who gave the nod to Jack Cole in the five-eighth position.
“There’s something going on there ... but he [Talagi] is the best option moving into the finals,” Slater said on Nine’s Sunday Footy Show.
Talagi is a chance to get another crack in the No.6 jersey for the final two rounds of the regular season and Penrith’s first finals game, with Cogger facing a three-game suspension for a high tackle on Tyran Wishart on Thursday night.
Andrew Johns questioned whether Cleary would stick to his guns or bring Talagi back in to face Canterbury, who exposed him earlier this season.
“They’re playing the Dogs this week - will they go Blaize or will they go Cole? Remember at the start of the year? The Dogs really isolated that left side, in particular Blaize Talagi - they really got at him,” Johns said.
“Ever since then, he’s been on the nose a little bit, so it will be interesting.”
Brad Fittler believes the Samoan international gives the Panthers a better hope of going deep into September and challenging for a premiership.
“I’ve got to say, If they haven’t got Isaah Yeo there, just another strike weapon [will help],” the former NSW Blues coach said.
“I actually thought he was getting better in defence, so whether it’s something Ivan can see, he’s obviously watching them a lot closer than we are.
“I’d go with Blaize – to win a grand final, I think they need Blaize.”
