Blaize Talagi has opened up on his “daunting” move to reigning premiers Penrith, which he likened to “moving to a new school” after a whirlwind rookie season.
The 19-year-old made his debut less than a year ago with Parramatta, bursting onto the scene and playing a variety of roles for the proud club.
In his first game in the top grade, Talagi left Tom Trbojevic in his wake with a classy solo try that immediately put the rugby league world on notice.
READ MORE: Aussies stunned by Sri Lanka in first ODI
READ MORE: Ugly twist as Aussie star’s bowling action reported
READ MORE: Cornes’ grim Power prediction after big coach call
Unfortunately, the youngster struggled at times as the Eels fell down the ladder, but admits the steep learning curve gave him plenty to think about.
“It all come pretty fast and hit me right in the face,” Talagi told Wide World of Sports.
Blaize Talagi during his rookie season with Parramatta. Getty
“That being said, I enjoyed it because this is what I’ve always wanted to do. I’ve had some time to reflect in the off-season, chill out and get away from footy.
“The biggest lesson I learned is about how to take care of my body. The game takes a toll on you … even little things like my sleep and diet were massive.”
Parramatta had hoped to hold onto one of the game’s brightest young talents, who has the ability to cover anywhere in the backline and provides true X-factor in attack.
However, with uncertainty over his long-term position at the Eels under new coach Jason Ryles, the teen sensation opted to test his value on the open market.
With a host of NRL clubs chasing Talagi’s signature, he could have taken the big bucks and cashed in on all the hype surrounding his future.
But instead, Talagi landed with the Panthers and it’s a decision the exciting Samoan international already feels is going to pay off for his career long-term.
Blaize Talagi during pre-season training with the Panthers. Penrith Panthers
“It was a bit daunting before the move,” he said.
“Moving to a new club with new faces, it was like moving to a new school, but as soon as I got there, I felt welcomed and I’ve been enjoying it.
“It’s been a big change for me, but I love it here. The group is so connected, there’s no individuals that no one likes or anything like that.
“It was the opportunity to go to a club who have been at the top of the game and have so many players with that type of experience who I can learn off.
“The pressure’s not on me here.”
Talagi was earmarked as a potential replacement at five-eighth for one of the club’s favourite sons, Jarome Luai, after his off-season move to the Wests Tigers.
Jarome Luai in his new Wests Tigers colours. Wests Tigers
While there are certainly no guarantees that Talagi will wear the No.6 jumper given the likes of Jack Cole, Daine Laurie and Brad Schneider are also vying for the vacant playmaking role, it’s a challenge he is more than ready to tackle head-on.
“That’s where I have been training and that’s the position I have always wanted to play and have always played,” he said.
“That competition makes me hungry for it and it drives me.
“Nothing is guaranteed and I don’t want to just be given a jersey, I want to earn it.”
Should he get the nod for round one, Talagi will partner the consensus best player in the competition Nathan Cleary for a trip to Las Vegas.
Nathan Cleary during the NRL grand final last year. Getty
The pair have already started to form a bond since Talagi’s arrival at Penrith and it will be a change of pace for Cleary, who has spent the past five seasons with Luai.
“He’s been really good for me, not just with the footy side of things, but off the field too – I’ve been spending a lot of time with him,” Talagi said.
“I’ve been learning a lot from him. He’s quite guarded, he’s a quiet guy, but he talks when he has to and I like that about him.
“I feel like I’m able to talk to him and could ask him for advice if I need to.”
