‘I had a big ego when I was younger’: How Siosifa Talakai made the most of his second opportunity to become a key cog in Cronulla’s system

Siosifa Talakai has credited his inspirational father for helping him go from a “stubborn” rookie at Souths to one of the most feared ball carriers in the NRL as he prepares to bring up his 100-game milestone on Friday night. It’s been eight years since he made his NRL debut for Souths, with his Rabbitohs career ending abruptly after he had his contract torn up – something that he looks back on with deep regret. Seeing how dominant he is today, it’s hard to imagine that Talakai’s career could have easily ended before it ever really got going, with the nuggety powerhouse unwanted by clubs and forced to spend his time working as a garbo in the inner west.

But something clicked off the field, with Talakai inspired by his dad’s monumental sacrifices to support the family and his actions sparking a colossal shift in how the Tongan star saw the world. Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion. “I was a bit disrespectful with the way that I handled my opportunity at the Rabbitohs, and I just wanted to pay him back for the things that he’s done for me and my family,” he said ahead of his milestone game.



“(He helped me) see things for what they were. He opened my eyes to being humble in general and making the most of my opportunity and seeing what was ahead. “He opened my eyes to the struggles that we had when we were younger and the opportunity that I had.

” Talakai’s time away from the game gave him a greater appr.