The Perth Bears have capped off another monumental week with confirmation NSW State of Origin representative and Tongan International Siosifa Talakai has signed a three-year deal with the club to start in 2027.<\/p>\n
Talakai made his First-Grade debut in 2016 and has played 133 games for the South Sydney Rabbitohs and Cronulla Sharks.<\/p>\n
The 28-year-old had a breakout year in 2022, playing two games for NSW in the State of Origin Series before representing Tonga in the Rugby League World Cup.<\/p>\n
Devastating in both attack and defence, Perth Bears Head Coach Mal Meninga said Talakai will add a new dimension to the Bears squad.<\/p>\n
\u201cSifa is a dynamic player that will provide us a real X factor in both attack and defence,\u201d Meninga said.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe always punches through the line and has a fantastic off load. He also offers us versatility with the ability to play out wide in the centres and in the middle.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m thrilled to be able to welcome Sifa and his young family over to Western Australia to be a part of the Perth Bears.”<\/p>\n
Talakai said the opportunity to relocate his family to Perth coupled with a desire to test himself as a foundation player were the primary reasons behind his decision to sign with the Perth Bears.<\/p>\n
\u201cPerth is the perfect place to raise a family and the opportunity to play the game I love, and to be a part of history with the Bears was too hard to refuse,” Talakai said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI want to help Mal and all the team create something special in WA.\u00a0 It\u2019s an exciting opportunity and my family and I are very much looking forward to building our future there.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s been a busy time for the Bears with today\u2019s announcement aligning with the signing of Scott Sorensen earlier in the week and the launch of the Perth Bears \u201cTracks\u201d Academy.<\/p>\n
Perth Bears General Manager of Football David Sharpe said the hard work had only just started as the 2027 season draws nearer.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe addition of Scott and Siosifa this week really builds out our roster, and we are starting to see our squad take shape,\u201d Sharpe said.<\/p>\n
\u201cBoth men have young families, and they believe in the opportunity that the Perth Bears can offer them both on and off the field.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWe still have a lot of work to do but I couldn\u2019t be happier with our recruitment so far.<\/p>\n
“Bears fans can rest assured that in twelve months’ time they will have a team that is ready to compete with the best of the best in the NRL competition.”<\/p>\n
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