The long-time Robin to Nathan Cleary’s Batman will branch out on his own in a bid to cement himself as a genuine halfback, but his absence will no doubt be an issue the Panthers will look to address in the off-season.

The 27-year-old brought flamboyance, confidence and X-factor to the side during their dominant reign over the NRL – things that can’t be replaced overnight.

But according to Bulldogs great Josh Reynolds, the impending arrival of rookie sensation from rivals Parramatta might help soften the blow.

“I’m very confident he will be the six,” Reynolds said on the Footy Talk League podcast.

“With Nathan Cleary, Isaah Yeo and Dylan Edwards going to help him … it’s a system where you don’t need to be a superstar.

“All you gotta do is your job and you’ll be fine.”

The 19-year-old came through the grades playing a variety of positions, but reportedly left the Eels in a bid to lock down a starting role in the spine.

And with Edwards having a mortgage on the No.1 jumper at the foot of the Mountains, there’s no chance Talagi will be playing fullback any time soon.

Talagi played a handful of games at five-eighth for Parramatta in his debut campaign, but spent the majority of his time in the centres.

Should his new club want to keep him out wider and slowly develop Talagi into the No.6 spot down the line, Ivan Cleary isn’t short of solutions to partner his son.

Brad Schneider stepped up to the plate this season when Cleary was sidelined, while young gun Jack Cole has plenty of upside and two years left on his contract.

Fleet-footed utility Daine Laurie is also an option to play in the halves and would provide similar traits to Luai, minus the big-game experience and game management skills.

Adding weight to Talagi’s potential claim for the five-eighth position is the fact that both of Penrith’s centres – Izack Tago and Paul Alamoti – starred in the grand final win, while young guns Jesse and Casey McLean are pushing for a first grade opportunity.

Talagi won’t be the only new recruit for the Panthers, with representative back-rower Isaiah Papali’i also joining the club on a three-year deal.