Tommy Talau

[manlyfan76]

I don't remember this, and can't find the details anywhere. His records show he played in the NSW Cup as a 5/8 once (for Wests in 2023), and he played as 5/8 in the NSW Under 20's team V Queensland in 2020. But he is regarded as a centre or winger so he may not have the passing or kicking skills needed to play 5/8.

It wasn't memorable

 

[madmax]

Tommy Talau and Takieaho can hold their heads up high this year. No matter what the game, these two work hard and deliver the goods. I Would take them on any Manly team as long as they want play.

While other players pad their numbers during tbese meaningless games trying get a new or upgraded contracts. the two players above have demonstrated they are true Manly men.

I would also add LeHi Jurbo, and Turbo to that mix too. They have tried hard.

Throw a blanket over the rest.

NYEagle

Not Koula??? Wow!

 

[Sheikheagle]

Not Koula??? Wow!

Agree. Wtf 🤷‍♂️

 

[Under the Sticks]

Not Koula??? Wow!

He probably couldn’t see him because he had run off the side of page……he is so far in front of every other player in 2025 it’s not funny.

 

[Phobia]

I don't remember this, and can't find the details anywhere. His records show he played in the NSW Cup as a 5/8 once (for Wests in 2023), and he played as 5/8 in the NSW Under 20's team V Queensland in 2020. But he is regarded as a centre or winger so he may not have the passing or kicking skills needed to play 5/8.

He was named on the wing, with Karl Lawton named as halfback. It was the most baffling team list ever, basically no one was in their named position.

talau had a game at 5/8 last year the week before seibold blooded humpreys and he was terrible. hes a winger/centre nothing more

Actually, I disagree on this. His bomb kicking was pretty dreadful, but he was our only source of spark for that entire game. He was having a good crack, and he outplayed Brooks.

I think Talau is just a little down on form. He hasn't had the best of years, and if he has better luck with injury, he'll be all the more better for it. He's also playing right centre, which to my knowledge, he has never played before. He was a left-side 5/8 before Cleary made him a left-side centre. He's been that ever since. Not saying he can't do well there, but it's a different picture that needs adjusting to.

He also has Mr Impulsive in DCE inside him, Saab outside him, and Waddell further in. No wonder he's not doing fantastic.

 

[Eagles4Life]

He was named on the wing, with Karl Lawton named as halfback. It was the most baffling team list ever, basically no one was in their named position.

Actually, I disagree on this. His bomb kicking was pretty dreadful, but he was our only source of spark for that entire game. He was having a good crack, and he outplayed Brooks.

I think Talau is just a little down on form. He hasn't had the best of years, and if he has better luck with injury, he'll be all the more better for it. He's also playing right centre, which to my knowledge, he has never played before. He was a left-side 5/8 before Cleary made him a left-side centre. He's been that ever since. Not saying he can't do well there, but it's a different picture that needs adjusting to.

He also has Mr Impulsive in DCE inside him, Saab outside him, and Waddell further in. No wonder he's not doing fantastic.

@Phobia Sounds like he could become a good left-side backrower to me. He has played inside and outside that position, generally has better defence than we saw last week, is prepared to take tough runs, and has the right body type to excel there.

 

[Phobia]

@Phobia Sounds like he could become a good left-side backrower to me. He has played inside and outside that position, generally has better defence than we saw last week, is prepared to take tough runs, and has the right body type to excel there.

A little interesting titbit about this proposal.

Talau did an interview with Andy Raymond last year, and Andy brought up this option, saying Talau has the size for the backrow. Talau said that he'd prefer to continue playing in the centres or on the wing, while he still has the speed for it, but wasn't at all opposed to moving to the second row later in his career.

I think that's where he'll end up eventually, and I think he would do a great job there.