WELCOME TO THE BETFRED SUPER LEAGUE BLOG 1 BLAKE TAAFFE CASTLEFORD TIGERS
- David Cain
- Oct 22
- 4 min read
Early life & junior career
Blake Wayne Taaffe was born 21 April 1999 in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
His junior clubs include the La Perouse Panthers (in the Sydney region) and later the The Entrance Tigers on the Central Coast.
He played in the under‑20s (Jersey Flegg Cup) for the South Sydney Rabbitohs, and in 2019 he was awarded the club’s Jersey Flegg Player of the Year, after a standout performance: in 16 appearances he scored 5 tries, kicked 60 goals, had eight try assists and 15 line break assists.
That 2019 season saw him lead the U20s team to the Rabbitohs’ first Jersey Flegg Cup title since 1978, with him winning man‑of‑the‑match in the grand final.
Senior career & professional NRL debut
South Sydney Rabbitohs (2021‑2023)
Taaffe made his first grade NRL debut in Round 15 of the 2021 season, for South Sydney against the Brisbane Broncos in a 46‑0 victory.
In his debut season (2021) he played 8 NRL matches, scoring 1 try and kicking 6 goals, recorded 5 try assists and 6 line break assists, averaging about 111 running metres per game. He was awarded the Rabbitohs’ John Sattler Rookie of the Year.
In 2021 he also filled in at fullback in the Grand Final for South Sydney (after the suspension of regular fullback Latrell Mitchell). The Rabbitohs contested the 2021 NRL Grand Final but were defeated by the Penrith Panthers.
In 2022 he played 10 NRL games (according to some sources) for South Sydney. He did not feature in the finals matches even though South Sydney reached the preliminary final.
In 2023, he continued with South Sydney until mid‑season, and in Round 19 he scored two tries in a match (Souths lost 36‑32 to the Canterbury‐Bankstown Bulldogs).
On 24 September 2023 he played for the Rabbitohs’ NSW Cup (reserve grade) side in their grand final victory over North Sydney, and he was awarded man‑of‑the‑match in that final.
On 31 July 2023 it was announced he had signed a two‑year deal with the Canterbury Bulldogs starting in 2024.
Canterbury‑Bankstown Bulldogs (2024‑2025)
In Round 1 of the 2024 NRL season, Taaffe made his club debut for Canterbury in a 28‑6 loss to the Parramatta Eels.
According to the Bulldogs history database, in 2024 he played 8 first‑grade games for the Bulldogs, scoring 2 tries (8 points) in total.
In 2025 he has found opportunities limited; reports indicate he has only made a handful of NRL appearances whilst spending much time in NSW Cup reserve grade.
On 25 August 2025 it was confirmed that he had signed a three‑year deal with the Castleford Tigers beginning 2026.
Career milestones & honours
2019: Jersey Flegg Player of the Year (South Sydney U20s) and U20 Premiers.
2021: NRL first‑grade debut; Rabbitohs John Sattler Rookie of the Year.
2021: Played in the NRL Grand Final (with South Sydney) as fullback replacement.
2023: Man of the Match in the NSW Cup Grand Final (South Sydney’s reserve grade) which they won.
Blake Taaffe | 2024 NSW Cup Highlights - RL SCOUT YouTube
Career statistics (selected)
Based on available records:
With South Sydney (2021‑23): 28 appearances, 6 tries, 61 goals, 146 points.
With Canterbury Bulldogs (2024‑25): 12 appearances, 2 tries, 8 points.
Total first‑grade: 40 games and 8 Tries.
Other stats: with South Sydney his goal conversion rate was about 74.39% in that period.
Playing style, strengths & weaknesses
Strengths:
Versatility: Taaffe has shown ability to play fullback, five‑eighth and utility back roles.
Good kicking game: At junior levels he had a strong short‑kicking game and goal‑kicking ability (e.g., 60 goals in 2019 U20s).
Ball in hand / running metres: In his debut year he averaged ~111 metres per game.
Big‑game temperament: For example being brought in at fullback in the 2021 Grand Final when the regular fullback was unavailable, and performing under pressure.
Indigenous heritage and junior club pathway: provides a grounded background and often appreciated for attitude.
Weaknesses / areas for improvement:
Consistency and securing a regular starting role: He has found it difficult to cement a regular NRL spot at the Bulldogs according to reports.
Experience: Still relatively young and with limited first‑grade games, so refining decision‑making under pressure remains a focus.
Under the high ball / defensive positioning: Some commentary (in fan / forum contexts) suggests that fullback positioning or high‑ball defence is an area to improve.
Goal‑kicking at first grade: While he kicked well at junior levels, his goal‑kicking at NRL level has been less prominent (and he hasn’t always been the club’s designated kicker).
Resilience to competition: At Bulldogs he was overshadowed by other players for his preferred positions which may hamper rhythm and development.
Key games & moments
NRL Debut (2021, Round 15 vs Brisbane Broncos): A 46‑0 victory for South Sydney. Marked his entry into first grade.
2021 Grand Final: Played fullback for South Sydney in the NRL Grand Final (despite being early in his career) against Penrith. Demonstrated trust from coaching staff.
2023 Round 19 vs Canterbury Bulldogs: Scored 2 tries for South Sydney in a 36‑32 loss. Showed his attacking potential.
2023 NSW Cup Grand Final: Awarded man‑of‑the‑match in the Rabbitohs’ reserve grade grand final victory. Solidified his ability at the level below NRL.
Outlook & recent developments
Blake has signed a three‑year deal (from 2026) with the Castleford Tigers. This suggests a new chapter in his career aiming for more regular first‑grade starting opportunities.
The move may provide him with a more consistent starting role, the chance to further develop his game and increase his exposure.
For his time at the Bulldogs, he was reported to have had limited NRL appearances, and spent time in the NSW Cup as he competed for spots.
Given his age of 26, he is still in a developmental phase for many players’ peak years, so there is potential for growth.
Summary
Blake Taaffe is a versatile young back who came through the Rabbitohs’ junior system, earned early recognition, and made his first‑grade debut in 2021, including playing in a Grand Final in his debut year. He has shown flashes of attacking talent, good kicking game and the ability to perform under pressure. However, securing a regular NRL starting role has been a challenge to date, and some aspects of his game (defensive consistency, positional stability) remain areas for improvement. His upcoming move to England’s Super League may provide the platform for him to further establish himself and refine his craft.
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