The Sharks have been desperate to get Siosifa Talakai‘s name on a new deal before the NRL world realised just how good he is.
Sadly, the Sharks failed in their bid and now the cat is out of the bag following Talakai’s devastating performance against the Sea Eagles last Thursday night that is the talk of the game.
In arguably the most impressive individual display of the year, Talakai ran for 252 metres, made eight tackle breaks, three line breaks, three try assists and scored two tries.
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The nuggety back-rower turned centre comes off contract at the end of 2023, which means rival clubs can talk to him from this November.
Talakai, who at one stage was working as a garbage man and on a $1000-a-week train and trial deal, has done the smart thing by holding off re-signing.
If he keeps playing the way he is going, he will be one of the most sought-after players in the game and clubs will be queueing up to chat to him come November.
Kiwi star leaves NRL door open
Kiwi rugby officials were quick to shoot down my story of a few weeks ago that All Blacks winger Caleb Clarke is keen to have a crack at rugby league.
But Clarke, a superstar in the 15-a-side game, has confirmed the story himself in the past few days to Kiwi media.
“That’s definitely one thing that I’d love to do,” the 23-year-old said when asked about playing league.
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“I’m a big Rabbitohs supporter and I talk to the Rabbitohs boys every now and then.
“So yeah, I’d love to and I don’t know when but it’ll definitely be something that I want to tick off as a life goal.”
Clarke will definitely stay in rugby union for next year’s World Cup, but after that is likely to try his hand at league.
Whitehead to the rescue
We hear plenty of stories about NRL players doing the wrong thing, but here’s an example of one guy who went above and beyond for a member of the public.
Raiders’ English forward Elliott Whitehead came across Canberra resident John Schram dazed and bloodied after a roadside accident in the rain and didn’t hesitate to lend a hand.
Schran takes up the story.
“Elliott called an ambulance, helped me stop the bleeding and waited with me until help arrived,” he said.
“Thanks Elliott for being a champion on and off the field.”
Intrigue over Holbrook sighting
Interesting to note that Titans coach Justin Holbrook was a spectator at the Queensland Cup game between the Blackhawks and Tweed in Townsville last Saturday.
The game was dominated by veteran Blackhawks halfback Robert Lui, who scored a try and took out the man of the match award.
The Titans have been struggling with their young halfback combination in the early rounds and the question has to be asked – could Holbrook be interested in bringing in the 32-year-old Lui to steady the ship?
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