Talakai persevered through cousin's tragic murder before game

Siosifa Talakai, a player for the Cronulla Sharks in the NRL, recently shared his emotional experience after the tragic death of his cousin last September. The death came just days before a crucial match against Penrith, which would determine if the Sharks could reach their first Grand Final since 2016. Talakai received the heartbreaking news about his cousin, Sitaleki Filihiahekava, through a message from his sister. Filihiahekava was reportedly murdered in a stabbing incident outside a restaurant in Sydney. Talakai described the loss as creating a deep void, highlighting his cousin's role as a caring person who was respected and loved by many. Despite his grief, Talakai chose to play in the match against the Panthers. He later admitted that he did not perform his best, but he stressed that giving up is not in his nature or the spirit of his team. Investigations into the fatal stabbing are ongoing, with authorities suggesting it was a targeted attack possibly linked to organized crime. Looking ahead, Talakai is set to face the Rabbitohs this Saturday. This match is particularly significant, as the Rabbitohs had previously released him from their team in 2018 due to disciplinary issues. Since then, Talakai has worked hard to rebuild his career, even taking a job as a garbage collector before the Sharks offered him another chance. Now, after reaching 100 appearances with the Sharks, Talakai is grateful for the support he received during difficult times. He reflects on his journey, acknowledging the club for helping him regain his footing in the sport.