Eels coach Brad Arthur has picked a surprise substitute to play in the halves alongside Dylan Brown, with the team suffering from Mitch Moses’ potential three-month absence due to a fractured foot.
After a promising kid was sidelined by a brain injury, the Warriors picked a favorite son to play fullback.
Meanwhile, veteran winger Corey Oates has won a recall to the Broncos team, where he is expected to be released in the position where he began his NRL career.
Brad Arthur made a surprising decision when his club roster was published on Tuesday.
While many expected Daejarn Asi or Ethan Sanders to be selected at No.7, the Eels chose to place a one-game rookie in the halves.
Blaize Talagi, who played in the centres against the Sea Eagles, will now wear number six alongside Dylan Brown, who has moved to halfback.
Talagi impressed in his debut, scoring a try after charging over Manly fullback Tom Trbojevic.
He played fullback in his first two NSW Cup games of the 2024 season, but Eels supporters are aware that he can also play in the halves.
However, his decision raises serious questions about Parramatta’s depth in the playmaking position.
Does Brad Arthur not have a substitute halfback in his top 30?
The Panthers have Brad Schneider, the Broncos have Jock Madden, and the Roosters have Sandon Smith as a replacement playmaker.
Even the Tigers, who battled for depth in the playmaking ranks in 2023, now have Jayden Sullivan and Latu Fainu who can step in if needed.
