Blaize Talagi has settled in well to life at Penrith after a previously rocky start at the foot of the mountains.
The young prospect was poached from Parramatta after an impressive rookie campaign with the Eels that yielded 11 tries in 19 matches while predominantly stationed out on the wing.
The Panthers promptly signed Talagi on a three-year deal as he was touted for a switch into the halves to replace the outgoing Jarome Luai.
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Blaize Talagi’s rise continues to gather pace at the Panthers
Talagi had a tough initiation with the four-time defending premiers though after struggling with a shoulder issue in the pre-season.
The injury setback saw Jack Cole get a jump on the Samoan international in the starting side as he was overlooked for Penrith’s jaunt to Las Vegas.
However, after debuting off the bench in Round 3 during a grand final rematch against Melbourne, Talagi quickly pressed his claims for a place in the side.
He was handed his first start at the club in Round 6 during a disappointing 30-12 loss to the Dolphins.
But he did enough to impress and has held onto the No.6 jersey ever since as the Panthers have gone on to win seven of the next 10 matches where he has played in the halves.
"I didn’t really have any expectations," Ivan Cleary reflected on the recruit as his team prepares to take on South Sydney in Round 20.
"I just knew that it was a real growing season for him. And there’s so much growth in the years to come which is exciting.
"He’s learned a lot already and still has so much to learn but it’s good to see him getting pieces of whatever he gets - whether it’s playing, watching his teammates or just going through an experience - it’s all helping."
Talagi initially struggled to slot into the attacking patterns of the champions, while the side as a whole battled to find their rhythm again after a shocking start to the campaign.
Yet he has gradually been able to strike up a fruitful partnership alongside Nathan Cleary recently, as the Panthers have gone on a five-game winning streak.
"There’s nothing like having a great role model in your team and Blaize is smart enough to learn from that," the coach stated.
Talagi’s willingness to grab the game by the scruff of the neck in key moments has taken Ivan Cleary somewhat by surprise.
However, the coach has implored his five-eighth to keep showcasing his attacking mentality as he reflected on what attracted the club to him in the first place.
"We obviously saw a lot in him," Cleary said. "We thought he could do well in our system. He could help us and we could help him.
"He definitely puts himself out there - he’s not afraid of the moments," Cleary enthused.
"He’s a tough kid and he’s really happy and willing to learn.
"He knows he’s not going to get it all right but that doesn’t worry him. So, he just keeps on throwing himself out there."