EXCLUSIVE: Billy Slater’s Decision on Panthers Selection During Worrying Decline

NRL legend Billy Slater has suggested that the Panthers ought to “establish a role” for emerging talent Blaize Talagi, particularly following their recent three-match losing streak.

Penrith’s defeat to the Rabbitohs in round four marked the first time since 2019 that the team has endured three consecutive losses, prompting coach Ivan Cleary to search for effective solutions.

While Talagi lacks considerable NRL experience, he was a significant acquisition for Penrith this season due to his standing as one of the competition’s top young prospects.

Yet, he has featured in just one NRL game this year, coming off the bench against the Storm and logging 73 minutes of play.

Slater has expressed curiosity about what is preventing Talagi from being included in the starting line-up, particularly after he played five-eighth in the NSW Cup over the weekend.

“Blaize Talagi was one of the standout rookies in the NRL last season, and there are plenty of chances for him to get a spot,” he remarked on Nine’s The Billy Slater Podcast.

“I’m unsure if he’s not fully fit after his lengthy pre-season that included shoulder surgery or if there’s another reason at play,” he added. “I think he really needs to find a spot within that team.”

Talagi was brought to the Panthers following Jarome Luai’s departure to the Tigers, which was part of a significant reshuffling as the club aimed to navigate the salary cap after securing four consecutive premierships.

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Slater contended that the ramifications of these departures were bound to be significant over time.

“Nathan (Cleary) and Dylan Edwards make an enormous difference. The team is a different entity with them in the mix, and they simply lack the depth they used to have, which is a product of their success,” he reflected.

“We always anticipated that there would come a day when they’d run out of depth given they can’t continuously let players like Stephen Crichton, Jarome Luai, Api Koroisau, (James) Fisher-Harris, (Sunia) Turuva go every year, losing two or three top-tier first-graders and premiership winners… and not feel the impact.

“If key players get injured, it throws them off balance. Right now, they’re not playing at their best, and errors have crept into their game. They’re fighting hard, but it’s just falling short.”

“Is it time to panic? I don’t believe so, but there are definitely concerns that need to be addressed.”