Tommy Talau

[SeaEagleRock8]

TT2's best spot is a moot point, because each week Manly's needs change depending on who is available - and maybe also on who we oppose.
Eg - if Manu is coming back this week for Chooks, who is best to put against him: Talau, Burbo or Clayton?
Against the Chooks pack, would we be better with Burbo or Waddell (for example) at left 2nd row?
When and if we have Koula, Lehi and Talau all fit - then it will be a very interesting selection.

 

[Tragic Eagle]

I reckon Burbo is a great centre. Safe in defence and knows how to score a try.

 

[Phobia]

'It's been a rollercoaster': Talau's wild ride takes positive turn

As part of the Hisense Upgrade Season Series, NRL.com goes in-depth with Manly centre Tommy Talau.

www.nrl.com

 

[ManlyTragic]

'It's been a rollercoaster': Talau's wild ride takes positive turn

As part of the Hisense Upgrade Season Series, NRL.com goes in-depth with Manly centre Tommy Talau.

www.nrl.com

Thanks for posting …. Great article

 

[Hibyemama]

Ill have Lehi ahead of Koula anyday. its a no brainer.

 

[madmax]

Kinda looks like Koula is the new whipping boy by the sounds of some comments in here the past few weeks! For mine to have the dilemma of having to select between Trbo, Saab, Garrick, Koula, Talau, Hoppa, Faulalo is so fu<king great! I don’t give a $hit about other teams but we have, by far, the best backs!!! Out of our boys we have a mix whereby 4 can play FB, 5 that can play Wing, 4 that can play Center! Just my opinion hahaha.

 

[Ohgeez]

Are we really going to let Talau talk to other clubs in a few weeks time? If anyone earned an extension this season it was him, I’d imagine he will be quite high on a few teams 2026 hit list after showing his quality this year.

If it’s between him & Garrick for a centre spot moving forward I’d be telling Gaz pack his bags. It’s harsh because he is a quality winger but seems to insist that he is a centre. Hopefully after getting steam rolled by a reserve grade PNG player he can accept maybe he’s best on the wing & could even be a rep winger 1 day

 

[Bearfax]

Certainly I agree Manly needs to keep him. He's done an excellent job and despite the Sea Eagles having five quality players to fill four positions, injuries will always ensure that one wont be a fifth wheel.

 

[JakeyB789]

Would hate to think Talau will eventually be the odd man out of our backline and we end up letting him walk to solve that headache. Was easily our most consistent player all year for mine and realistically we could keep him for around 300k less than what Garrick is on but with better production

Then again, we haven't re-signed Bullemor beyond 2025 either but have locked up Aloiai, Burbo and Waddell until 2027, so whatever we think the club should do, they generally seem to do the opposite

 

[mave]

Mind blowing re Bully.

Him and Navale seem to be the only 2 middles we have with any sort of leg speed.

 

[double hoops]

Was our best back IMO. Our Club aren't to keen on telling us nuffies about signings. No doubt even Jazz was only announced by the club this week as the cat was already out of the bag when he was identified as a Manly Sea Eagles player in his country's team list the day prior.

 

[SeaEagleRock8]

Talau is under contract and should be retained for 2025 at least.
Unless... some club is interested in a swap for a player in a position we need to seriously strengthen.

 

[Dion Johnson]

Are we really going to let Talau talk to other clubs in a few weeks time? If anyone earned an extension this season it was him, I’d imagine he will be quite high on a few teams 2026 hit list after showing his quality this year.

If it’s between him & Garrick for a centre spot moving forward I’d be telling Gaz pack his bags. It’s harsh because he is a quality winger but seems to insist that he is a centre. Hopefully after getting steam rolled by a reserve grade PNG player he can accept maybe he’s best on the wing & could even be a rep winger 1

Up there in the top 5 players for the club this season.

Talau consistently exceeded expectations throughout the season, proving to be a standout performer time and again.

Despite facing challenges with positional switches and being underestimated when he signed on, he repeatedly delivered impressive games, showcasing not only his talent but also his work ethic and determination.

His ability to rise to the occasion in critical moments has made Talau a valuable asset to the team.

Talau’s overachievement this season has not only earned him the respect of Fans, teammates and coaches but has also solidified his reputation as a player who consistently delivered in 2024.

Aligned with the sentiments above that have Talau ahead of Garrick at centre, some promising younger prospects coming through the heat will be on for those who disappointed this season.

You can’t keep them all and something has to give, definitely can release a three quarter on decent remuneration but Talau he is a keeper.

 

[eaglebuzz]

Yeah if we were to cut anyone from the backline loose I'd prefer it were Garrick.

 

[CRPSI eagle]

Would hate to think Talau will eventually be the odd man out of our backline and we end up letting him walk to solve that headache. Was easily our most consistent player all year for mine and realistically we could keep him for around 300k less than what Garrick is on but with better production

Then again, we haven't re-signed Bullemor beyond 2025 either but have locked up Aloiai, Burbo and Waddell until 2027, so whatever we think the club should do, they generally seem to do the opposite

Allowing, Burbo and Waddell would not make any NRL starting side.

 

[MW66]

Issue could be Hoppa's rapid rise. He will be looking at a serious pay increase. Maybe up to +600K per year. Have to find the cap somewhere.

 

[Ohgeez]

Issue could be Hoppa's rapid rise. He will be looking at a serious pay increase. Maybe up to +600K per year. Have to find the cap somewhere.

I think he’s a few years away from an increase like that. Walsh has only been on $400k at broncos & has proven a whole lot more than Hoppa. I assume Turbo would only be 1 or 2 serious injuries away from medical retirement, that’s possibly when he will get a big upgrade

 

[Tragic Eagle]

We need depth in the backs. I'd pick Talua in the center's before Rueben. Rueben has had all season to get his defence in order and he still looks a like a deer in headlights when trying to make reads. His defence against PNG was not up to scratch. Rueben is a very good winger and that's where he should be considered for selection.

 

[MW66]

Rubes defence is tripe. Goalkicking winger or goneski.

 

[Disco]

Tommy Talau on the Bloke podcast today.