Billy Slater has recommended that Blaize Talagi be reinstated in the Penrith Panthers lineup this weekend, following a three-game suspension for Jack Cogger. Coach Ivan Cleary had previously given Cogger a shot to solidify his position alongside Nathan Cleary in the halves, after Talagi was benched due to defensive shortcomings. The Panthers had difficulty with their left-edge defence, prompting Cleary to replace Talagi after a poor performance against the Eels.
Now, with Cogger facing suspension due to a high tackle on Tyran Wishart, he has received a Grade 2 charge. As Cogger has been suspended twice this year already, he may be sidelined for up to three weeks, or four if he contests and loses the charge. This opens the possibility for Cleary to either reintroduce Talagi for upcoming matches against the Bulldogs, Tigers, and their first finals game, or to opt for Jack Cole, who will join the Perth Bears next season.
"There is something going on there with Blaize Talagi…I think he is the best option moving into the finals," Slater stated regarding Talagi, emphasizing the impact of Cogger's absence. However, NRL legend Andrew Johns suggests that Cleary might worry about the Bulldogs, who previously exploited Talagi's weaknesses earlier this season.
"They're playing the Dogs this week - will they go Blaize or will they go Cole? Remember at the start of the year? The Dogs really isolated that left side, in particular Blaize Talagi - they really got at him," Johns noted.
Following the Roosters' unexpected loss to the Wests Tigers, both the Panthers and Warriors now have a chance to finish in the Top 2 and secure home finals. The Panthers are set to face the Bulldogs this weekend, and with their strong points differential, another Roosters setback could see them finish ahead with just one more win. A victory against the Bulldogs could also allow the Panthers to rest key players like Cleary and Dylan Edwards as they approach finals. The Bulldogs, having recently regained form, convincingly defeated the Dragons 44-14 over the weekend.