Las Vegas Team Line-Ups Released Tuesday: Gould Taken Aback by Claims Panthers Will Overlook Star Signing

Phil Gould has raised concerns over Penrith’s decision not to select rising star Blaize Talagi for the No.6 jersey in their upcoming clash in Las Vegas this weekend.

According to News Corp, the 20-year-old is set to miss out, with the Panthers opting to go with Jack Cole in the halves for their season opener.

“Blaize Talagi was brought in for a specific reason,” Gould expressed during his appearance on Wide World of Sports’ Six Tackles with Gus podcast.

“Talagi’s role at Penrith is to step into the five-eighth position, partnering Nathan Cleary and taking over from Jarome Luai.”

“I’m unsure what the Panthers are thinking at this stage… but I find it difficult to understand why he wouldn’t start, especially since that’s the role they signed him for. They might as well let him start from the beginning and hit the ground running.”

“I really can’t see any justification for not unleashing Blaize Talagi right away. The faster they come to a decision and allow him to settle in, the better it will be. He’s been brought in to be their five-eighth, and I’d be quite surprised if they don’t play him in that position from the outset.”