Panthers youngster Blaize Talagi is ready to embrace finals physicality as he prepares for a showdown with Adam Reynolds and a rampaging Broncos pack this Sunday. The talented five-eighth surprised many with a series of big hits in last week's semi-final win over the Bulldogs.
Meanwhile, Reynolds is on track for his first game since suffering a hamstring injury in Round 23, setting the stage for a fascinating battle between old and new. The veteran is a premiership winner who has thrived at every level.
While his body is starting to slow down, the 35-year-old remains one of the best tacticians in the game and boasts an elite kicking game.
Talagi is the exciting youngster not afraid to take a backwards step.
The 21-year-old has thrived in his first two finals games and is determined to claim another big scalp on Sunday afternoon.
Talagi says he remembers watching Reynolds a lot as a young kid, and he has always been that typical halfback with a good kicking game.
He says Reynolds is a good playmaker and is a dangerous player, so they will have to do their homework and be ready to go on game day.
The Panthers will face the Broncos at 6.05pm Sunday in Brisbane while the Storm will take on the Sharks at 9.50pm Friday in Melbourne.
[Source: NRL]