Cronulla Sharks coach Craig Fitzgibbon has opened up on the selflessness of his utility Siosifa Talakai ahead of his 100th match against the Bulldogs.
Talakai became an Origin player in 2022 when he played one of his best seasons ever since starting his career in 2016.
The 27-year-old then fell out of form last year, which Fitzgibbon admits “stung” the Tongan representative.
“Sifa’s the first to admit in 2022 he had a great year and then last year lost his way a little bit and it stung him so what he has done is have a really strong pre season,” he told media on Thursday.
“For us we played him in the centres and he delivered in the centres the first three games and Kayal’s (Iro) come in their now.
“He went to right edge back row, delivered there, went to the middle for a while, delivered there and last couple of weeks he’s been left edge back row so what he has done is be really selfless, put the team first and get his job done.
“We’ve got the best version of Sifa right now and he’s really enjoying his footy.”
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – MAY 11: Siosifa Talakai of the Sharks (L celebrates scoring a try during the round 10 NRL match between Melbourne Storm and Cronulla Sharks at AAMI Park on May 11, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Graham Denholm/Getty Images) Getty