Penrith Panthers coach Ivan Cleary has made a major selection decision ahead of Round 22, moving young playmaker Blaize Talagi out of the starting halves role after defensive concerns emerged in recent matches.
Talagi’s demotion comes after opponents repeatedly targeted Penrith’s left edge, with the young five-eighth struggling defensively in recent games. His performance against Parramatta, where he was involved in several missed tackles, reportedly contributed to the coaching staff’s decision to make changes.
Veteran playmaker Jack Cogger has been brought into the halves alongside Nathan Cleary, with Ivan Cleary opting for a more experienced combination as the Panthers prepare for their Round 22 clash.
Despite the setback, Talagi remains part of the Panthers’ wider squad and has been named among the reserves rather than being completely removed from first-grade contention. The club has indicated the decision is aimed at addressing defensive issues and improving team balance rather than ending Talagi’s role in the NRL side.
The Panthers are also managing injuries, with fullback Dylan Edwards continuing to miss matches due to a shoulder issue, allowing Jaxen Edgar to retain the No.1 jersey.
The selection change highlights the pressure facing teams approaching the finals, where defensive reliability and experience often become key factors in coaching decisions. For Talagi, the challenge now will be responding strongly and pushing for a return to the starting lineup.
