The Panther that must step up in 2026

NRL veteran and SEN’s Chad Townsend has called on Penrith Panthers five-eighth Blaize Talagi to take the next step in 2026.

Talagi left the Parramatta Eels at the end of the 2024 season but was forced to wait until Round 3 to make his Penrith debut. After a slow start to the year, the 20-year-old began to string together a number of impressive performances and solidified his spot in the starting side.

With a year under his belt at Penrith, Townsend wants to see Talagi escape from the shadow of superstar Nathan Cleary and stamp his authority on the team.

“I still want to see more from Blaize Talagi,” Townsend said on SEN 1170 Breakfast.

“I think he’s got great talent and he’s a good ball runner.

“I feel like he sits back a little bit and lets Nathan Cleary run the show. His next progression is to own his moments.

“We see the fantastic moments from Nathan consistently but I’d like to see some more moments from Blaize. That’s his challenge moving forward.

“Still relatively young in his career but he’s got a great opportunity in front of him. How many five-eighth’s get to play alongside one of the best halfbacks ever in the game?

“There will be opportunities that open up for Blaize because of the attention that Nathan gets.

“He needs to demand the ball and take control. That’s the next step for Blaize.”

After four consecutive Premierships, Penrith were woeful to begin their 2025 season and found themselves last on the ladder after Round 12.

The Panthers bounced back and made a preliminary final but lost to eventual Premiers Brisbane. Townsend is certain Penrith will remain in Premiership contention for 2026.

“I’ve got them in my top four. I think they are in there,” Townsend added.

“You look at the quality of the team and the fact they are settled and motivated (is a big factor).

“I expect the Panthers to be contending next season.

“Ivan Cleary would’ve learnt a lot last year and this is a team that has ultra high standards.

“That’s what makes me concerned for other teams. They will be refreshed.”

The Panthers begin their 2026 season with a huge Friday night clash against the Broncos on March 6.