Talagi locked in
Penrith confirmed on Monday what was known almost two weeks ago, being that Blaize Talagi will join the club from Parramatta next season.
He’s signed a three-year deal.
There’s plenty of rumours doing the rounds that Penrith see the 19-year-old as a five-eighth and therefore as a replacement for Jarome Luai. But plenty of water will go under the bridge before a ball is kicked in Las Vegas next March.
One thing is certain – the Panthers felt they needed to go outside the club to lock up stocks in their backs for next year, particularly when you consider Luai, Taylan May and Sunia Turuva won’t be there in 2025.
Perfect timing
The Panthers will be presented with the J.J. Giltinan Shield at their final regular season home game against Gold Coast should they finish first past the post. The presentation will form part of the wider Penrith Park farewell.
Melbourne play on the Thursday night in the final round, so destiny will be in Penrith’s own hands by then as far as the Minor Premiership race is concerned. Of course, plenty could happen between now and the end of the season to change the Minor Premiership race.
Finals schedule
Penrith are eyeing a Friday night fixture at BlueBet Stadium should they secure a home Final this year, which is looking increasingly likely. The NRL is far from locking in a schedule given so much could change but the Panthers are very keen for a Friday night timeslot.
The only real issue standing in the way of a Friday night blockbuster is if Penrith play Cronulla or Manly in the opening weekend. The NRL would be hesitant to force the Sharks or Sea Eagles to play on the Friday given they play on the Sunday in the final round.
Spotted
Matilda Mary Fowler, who is also Nathan Cleary’s partner, doing some shopping at Penrith Homemaker Centre last week – and happily posing with locals.
Threepeat up for award
The Western Weekender’s Threepeat magazine, which has been such a huge hit with fans, is up for a major award. It’s been nominated for Custom Publication of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards, which will be held in the city next month. Congratulations to all involved in the project. How there wasn’t a special edition Masked Panther column is beyond me!
Spotted
Former Panther and now CEO of the Rugby League Players Association (RLPA) Clint Newton in Penrith twice last week. He was first in town to watch the Panthers play the Knights at BlueBet Stadium, and last Thursday attended a function with exclusive business group GTM, where he was interviewed by the Weekender’s own Troy Dodds.
Nod to long-time sponsor
Business group Olatype has moved its planned function this week to the Allam Homes Chairman’s Lounge in honour of Barney Allam, who was a member of the group. Allam, a long-time Panthers sponsor and naming rights holder to the Chairman’s Lounge, sadly passed away earlier this month. There will be a special tribute to Allam at the function.
Annesley clears Penrith try
NRL Head of Football Graham Annesley was comfortable with Izack Tago’s match-winning try for Penrith against Parramatta last Friday night. Cries of an obstruction in the lead-up to the try from a salty Eels coach Trent Barrett and fans across social media were quietened by Annesley on Monday, who said Liam Martin had met his obligations as the lead runner. Annesley admitted it could have gone either way and that some fans would disagree, but he was comfortable with the Bunker’s decision and its explanation.
Spotted
Panthers Group CEO Brian Fletcher with a couple of Parramatta legends in Peter Wynn and Eric Grothe at CommBank Stadium last Friday night.
Spotted
Blues coach Michael Maguire at Sydney Airport on Monday.
Marto cops a week
Liam Martin submitted an early guilty plea to a dangerous contact charge stemming out of Penrith’s win over Parramatta last Friday night, and was outed for one week. It’s a harsh suspension but the Panthers had no chance of fighting it and winning.
Eisenhuth close to new deal
Matt Eisenhuth is hopeful of locking in a new deal with Penrith before the end of the season. He’s been in negotiations with the club about extending his stay. He certainly hasn’t let anyone down this season, called upon to fill plenty of gaps during an injury-strained run for Ivan Cleary’s side.
Spotted
This young fan at CommBank Stadium last Friday night having a bet each way in terms of his hero player.
Masked Panther
The Masked Panther is the most mysterious journalist of all. He has the inside word on everything happening in rugby league.