Talakai looking for improvement as Sharks regroup for Manly clash

Powerhouse Cronulla Sharks centre Siosifa Talakai saw firsthand the damage new cult favourite Valynce Te Whare could to do oppositions, but more than held his own despite his side going down in a upset to the Dolphins in Magic Round.

While overall, the Sharks were left shell-shocked as the Dolphins rose to the occasion of playing for their coach Wayne Bennett’s 900th game, Talakai put in an eye-catching performance with 242 run metres, two try assists, a line break and four tackle breaks.

“He's a good player, he's got a big future ahead of him as well, he’s definitely big boy to tackle, but he's got a bright future ahead if he puts his head down and works hard,” Talakai said on Te Whare, who like himself is a powerful centre possessing good speed.

“It was a good match up … He’s a good player and us going against each other will only make us better." 

On his own performance, Talakai downplayed his contribution to the team, despite him helping spark their attack, saying he had plenty of improvement in him.

“I'm trying to be one of the leaders and to do that, you got to be willing to do what everyone else is uncomfortable doing,” Talakai said.

“I didn't really take it upon myself, but I just knew I had to run hard and tackle hard and make my tackles, but I let the team down by letting two tries in so … I need to be better.” 

Sharks halfback Nicho Hynes cut a devastated figure after the loss, saying his team were “not good enough” in the post-match press conference and Talakai agreed, saying he was also disappointed by the way they had lost the momentum built up during the past three weeks.

So far this season, the Sharks have fluctuated in their form and the Tonga representative said his side would regroup and look to improve against Manly when they face off against them this Sunday at 4 Pines Park.