Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020

Blaize Talagi remains undecided about his Penrith Panthers future as the off-contract five-eighth prepares to face the Parramatta Eels on Thursday at CommBank Stadium. The Round 21 derby matters both to the Penrith Panthers' season and the 21-year-old's career beyond 2027.

Blaize Talagi has beaten the Parramatta Eels in all three meetings since leaving the club, including a 48-20 victory in Round 4. Thursday will mark his fourth game against his former team and their second meeting this season.

The derby arrives as Jason Ryles faces scrutiny over the Parramatta Eels' slide, adding another layer to a tense Western Sydney contest.

Blaize Talagi Weighs His Future

"I haven’t really thought about it, the whole team has stuff going on," Blaize Talagi said.

"But obviously you never want to leave the club you’re at, there’s still a lot of footy ahead, we’ll see what happens."

Blaize Talagi said he has built a home at the Penrith Panthers and enjoys playing there. He has not decided whether Ivan Cleary's planned departure after next season will affect talks over a deal for 2028 and beyond.

Familiar Rivalry Awaits

Blaize Talagi developed in the Parramatta Eels system, won the 2023 SG Ball competition and made his NRL debut in 2024. He joined the Penrith Panthers on a three-year contract from 2025.

The official NRL match centre confirms the Round 21 fixture at CommBank Stadium. From five-eighth, Blaize Talagi's direct running can test defenders around the ruck and create room on the edges.

For now, contract questions sit behind the immediate task of extending his unbeaten record against the Parramatta Eels.