Talakai targeting Taumalolo ahead of Sharks vs Cowboys clash

With the Cronulla Sharks taking on the North Queensland Cowboys for a spot in the preliminary finals this Friday evening in Sydney, Jason Taumalolo has a target on his back.

The one taking aim is his Tongan teammate Siosifa Talakai, with the Sharks’ utility eager to get one up on his countryman in the NRL finals.

“It will be good to go against him,” declared Talakai ahead of the Sharks vs Cowboy’s clash in the NRL semi-finals.

“He’s the leader of our Tongan team so hopefully we get our game on and come away with the win, then I can brag to him about it after.

“We’re competitors at the end of the day.

“You don’t want to lose against someone else.

“All you do is set out a plan to go out and perform and come away with the win.”

If the odds set by NRL betting sites are anything to go by, it will be Talakai who has bragging rights when all is said and done on Friday night.

PlayUp has Cronulla as favourites to win their first finals match in eight attempts, putting the home side at $1.60 to prevail.

The Cowboys, who beat the Newcastle Knights last week to gain a berth in the semi-finals, are at $2.40 to cause an upset.

While Talakai is eager to see his side victorious this weekend, he still has immense respect for Taumalolo.

“Jason’s been massive for us,” he shared, speaking of the influence the Cowboy’s forward has had on the resurgence of Tongan rugby league.

“No one would’ve thought that himself, Andrew Fifita, Sio [Taukeiaho] would sacrifice bonuses of playing for Australia and New Zealand to play for our little country.

“They brought on a wave and the boys from Samoa have done the same thing.

“It’s inspiring for the younger generation to follow that path. Now we want to keep the ball rolling.”

But when Talakai pulls on his Sharks’ jersey, it’s a different story.

“When we’re on the field it’s war,” the Tongan explained.

“There’s no friends or brothers out there, when you cross that line it’s war.

“Then you come off and you can be friends again.

“Outside footy we’re all mates and we have a special connection to each other.”

The Sharks and Cowboys have split their meetings so far this season.

In July, North Queensland got the better of Cronulla 30-22, while earlier in the year, the Sharks dished out a 42-6 hiding to the Queenslanders.

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