Rugby league great Andrew Johns has delivered a grim outlook for Blaize Talagi, saying the young halfback is out of favour at Penrith after the Panthers moved to sign Jett Cleary. Johns suggested the Cleary signing amounts to the end of Talagi's path at the club.

Talagi has already been dropped from the Panthers squad, and the arrival of Cleary makes his situation even tougher. Johns said things are heading toward a difficult road ahead for Talagi, whose NRL future now appears unclear as he searches for a way back into the top grade.

The frank analysis from Johns carry weight given his reputation in rugby league. With Penrith clearly looking elsewhere for their halves combination, Talagi faces a real battle to find consistent playing time going forward.