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However, Alexander explained that a pre-season shoulder surgery hampered his availability.

“He’s certainly got the ability, but the fact he’s been recuperating from shoulder surgery has not been ideal,”

“But he’s only a baby, he’s only young so there’s no rush. I don’t know whether he’s going to be fit for Round 1.

“But that’s one of the interesting things for Penrith… Blaize certainly has the ability, Jack Cole has been there for a couple of years now and played well when he has been asked to play in first grade.

“Ivan has got his options.”

Luckily for Talagi, after making an off-season switch from the Eels, he has the ability to play in the backline and could slot in on the wing, or in the centres during the season.

Queensland Origin coach and legendary fullback Billy Slater was of the belief Talagi’s talents will be taken to new levels under Cleary.

“What he did in his rookie year last year at the Parramatta Eels, who were struggling for a big chunk of the year, he was a shining light for them,” he said on The Billy Slater podcast.

“For him to go to the best team in the competition, with the best structures and one of the best players to probably play the game, Nathan Cleary, he’s going to set him up in space that he hasn’t been in before.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity for a young star like Talagi to jump into that system, to jump into that footy team and go and express himself.”

STRENGTH

Their consistency.

The Panthers have won four premierships in-a-row. As such, their rivals already know just how tough a contest it’s going to be every time they take the field against Ivan Cleary’s men. It’s a mental battle that’s already being fought before the game even begins and gives the Panthers an upper-hand. Throw in the mix a relentless standard and Penrith have remained a consistent force over the past five seasons. That consistency isn’t likely to change either, with an engine room that includes Mitch Kenny and Isaah Yeo and outside backs Brian To’o, Izack Tago and Paul Alamoti consistently eating up metres from the back-field. Once again, the Panthers will be there come the pointy end of the season.

WEAKNESS

Their front row.

It’s almost ridiculous to question the Panthers forward pack at this point, but any team that loses a player of James Fisher-Harris’ calibre will have a gaping hole. The 29-year-old was the club’s enforcer, partnering with Moses Leota to forge a scary front row partnership. In his place, Kangaroos representative Lindsay Smith will likely take up his minutes, while Liam Henry’s responsibilities will also increase. Scott Sorensen and Isaiah Papali’i will also likely feature in the middle at different stages, while internally the Panthers have big wraps on rising star Luron Patea. Penrith have a mountain of talent to fill the shoes left by Fisher-Harris, but regardless, the Kiwi international is one of the game’s premier props and he will be sorely missed at the foot of the mountain.

IT’S A BIG YEAR FOR

Blaize Talagi.

Blaize Talagi made a huge decision in his rookie NRL season, turning down an Eels extension to make a cross-town switch to the Panthers. The 20-year-old is one of rugby league’s most highly touted players, having played in the centre, wing, fullback and even coming off the bench in his first season in first grade. He was locked in a pre-season battle to wear the No.6 jersey with Jack Cole, eventually losing to his 21-year-old competitor. But regardless, Talagi will be called upon at some stage this season and Cleary knows he has a talented player on his hands. However, as Greg Alexander highlighted there’s no point in shoehorning Talagi into this team when opportunities will arise naturally.

WHO’S UNDER PRESSURE

Isaiah Papali’i.

Isaiah Papali’i is seeking a fresh start at the Panthers, having explained he felt his career was stalling at the Tigers. “I had a few good years a few years back, and then I kind of plateaued or just didn’t really progress as a player,” he said to Newswire. The 26-year-old was one of the NRL’s most dangerous edge forwards during his time at the Eels, having spent four years at the Warriors before that. However, his switch to the Tigers didn’t prove fruitful and instead he was granted a release to join Penrith. Players consistently improve when landing under Cleary and Papali’i is expected to continue that long line, which could prove to be a scary proposition for opposition teams. He joins Liam Martin and Scott Sorensen in the club’s edge forwards ranks, but if Papali’i can rediscover the form that earnt him his big-money move to the Tigers, he could be a handful despite being named on the bench.

THE RISING STAR

Casey McLean.

Brothers Jesse and Casey McLean were fighting it out for one wing spot in pre-season. After a four-try debut for New Zealand, it was 18-year-old Casey who won the battle, replacing Sunia Turuva who departed for the Tigers. It’s staggering to consider McLean has already played seven NRL games, scoring three tries. However, he could become a regular fixture in 2025 and his skillet will hold him in good sted despite still being a teenager. McLean is a hulking figure, and he showed he has the capability to slot into Cleary’s defensive system in the backline. He featured in the centres, arguably the hardest one-on-one defensive position in rugby league, in only his second NRL game and remained in the spot for a further five games. The rising star is also an imposing threat with ball in hand and can beat a man with ease. This season shapes as a massive one for the younger McLean.

THE UNLUCKY ONES

Trent Toelau.

Talk about making a statement. Trent Toelau remained in Sydney while the first grade squad travelled to Las Vegas and the 25-year-old delivered a masterclass to beat the Sea Eagles in his side’s final pre-season challenge appearance. The race for the vacant five-eighth spot looked to be down to only Jack Cole and Blaize Talagi in pre-season, while Nathan Cleary’s apprentice was seen to be Brad Schneider. However, after scoring a try and setting up two more, he may have leapfrogged the former Raiders playmaker. Toelau could be considered unlucky not to have travelled to Las Vegas, but if his form continues it’s a matter of when, not if he slots onto the bench as a utility. “It won’t be in Round 1, but I’d like to be in the 17 going forward,” Toelau told Fox League post-match.

SQUAD FOR VEGAS

1. Dylan Edwards 2. Casey McLean 3. Izack Tago 4. Luke Garner 5. Paul Alamoti 6. Jack Cole 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. Lindsay Smith 11. Scott Sorensen 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Daine Laurie 15. Isaiah Papali’i 16. Matt Eisenhuth 17. Luron Patea 18. Brad Schneider 19. Mavrik Geyer 20. Jesse McLean 21. Luke Sommerton 23. Blaize Talagi