Wantaway Parramatta teenage star Blaize Talagi has shown Eels fans what they’ll be missing next year, starring in a surprise 30-20 defeat of the Warriors in Auckland.
The 19-year-old centre, who is set to join Penrith in 2025, scored a try and set up another on Friday night.
Eels fullback Clint Gutherson scores against the Warriors.Credit: Getty
The second-from-bottom Eels produced one of their most convincing displays of the season to break a six-game losing streak and all but end the Warriors’ finals hopes.
The 12th-placed Warriors remain three points adrift of the top eight, with their finals rivals still to play.
Parramatta, meanwhile, had only pride to play for and were coming off a torrid week in which they lost Talagi, and promising forward Charlie Guymer asked for permission to speak to other clubs.
But Talagi is not gone yet.
He set up the first try of the night, finding the last pass for winger Jake Tago in a sweeping move to the left.
Joey Lussick doubled the Eels’ advantage before the Warriors hit back through Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, with Shaun Johnson involved in the build-up in his return from injury.
Source Agencies
