Penrith Panthers officially release centre Waqa Blake to Parramatta Eels

Waqa Blake
Penrith Panthers have confirmed the immediate release of centre Waqa Blake to the Parramatta Eels.

As reported by  The Lurker for Sporting News on Wednesday morning, Blake has agreed to a rich four-year deal with the rival western Sydney club.

Relinquishing Blake frees up room in the Panthers' salary cap to try to bring back Gold Coast Titans utility Tyrone Peachey to the foot of the mountains.

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A Penrith junior, Blake won consecutive National Youth Competition titles with the Panthers in 2013 and 2014 before graduating to the NRL.

He played 88 matches for Penrith and represented Fiji during his time at the club.

Blake signed an extension with the Panthers until 2023 last October, with the Eels now taking up his expensive contract.

“Panthers was initially approached by Parramatta to express their interest in acquiring the services of Waqa Blake,” Panthers CEO Brian Fletcher said.

“Ultimately it was a difficult decision to grant Waqa’s release but it will assist the management of our salary cap moving forward.

“We extend our sincere thanks to Waqa for his contribution at Panthers and wish him the best of luck for the future.”

Blake is currently in the casualty ward with a grade three medial ligament tear in his knee and should be available for selection about round 20.

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