Cronulla ‘wrecking ball’ Siosifa Talakai destroys Manly in ‘greatest half ever’

NRL fans have been stunned by Siosifa Talakai’s barnstorming display that is being labelled the best individual half of football ever.

Talakai absolutely tore Manly to shreds.

Cronulla’s Siosifa Talakai has torn Manly to shreds in a demolition job from an individual player rarely seen in the NRL.

The Sharks came out firing and Talakai scored in the very first minute of the game. But that was only the start of his barnstorming performance.

Cronulla scored six tries in the first half — Talakai scored two and set up three others as Manly’s defence on its right edge was picked apart.

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The hulking centre scored his second try in the 14th minute and unselfishly set up Ronaldo Mulitalo for a first half double of his own.

Cronulla kept passing Talakai the ball and the highlight play came when he made another line break and opted to grubber the ball, which sat up perfectly for fullback William Kennedy to score under the posts.

The Sea Eagles were lost for answers and Teig Wilton kept the points coming with a try on the stroke of halftime.

The Sharks led 32-0 after the opening 40 minutes and viewers were gobsmacked by Talakai’s epic performance in the first half.

Fox League’s Warren Smith exclaimed: “Siosifa Talakai, you are a genius! It’s men against boys!

Siosifa Talakai tore Manly to shreds. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

He was simply unstoppable. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

“It is left-hand lunacy. They are scoring points for fun on this side of the field.

“My goodness. This is something to watch tonight. You rarely see the likes of this, one man out of a team of 13, single-handedly destroying the opposition.”

Michael Ennis said: “This is ridiculous! It’s like Under 7s out there, look at him.

“It’s party time in the Shire. Talakai’s running riot. It’s ridiculous.

“At the NRL level that is so difficult to do. To be able to carve up in the way that he is, is quite phenomenal. His numbers are outrageous.

“Manly on that right edge are terrified of what he’s doing.”

Social media went wild as NRL fans were left in awe of Talakai’s unstoppable display.

CODE Sports’ Lachlan McKirdy tweeted: “Has there ever been a more dominant half by a centre in the history of rugby league?

“Not even 30 minutes and Talakai has two tries, three try assists, 144 run metres, three line breaks and four tackle breaks. Insanity.”

Was that the best individual half of football ever played? (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

Sports reporter Scott Bailey said: “This is the greatest 30 minutes a centre has ever produced. Ever. In any sport.”

AAP’s Ed Jackson said: “Talakai … a wrecking ball with light feet and the ability to find a pass like he just did then for Mulitalo. Scary.”

Sports journalist Chloe-Amanda Bailey added: “Sharks’ left edge got no chill tonight. Absolutely stunning footy from Talakai.”

GIVE TALAKAI THE DALLY M NOW! #NRLSharksManly

— Travis Meyn (@travismeyn) April 21, 2022

Talakai is on some serious 🔥🔥 #NRLSharksManly

— Michael Fenech (@MichaelFenech1) April 21, 2022

Has there been a dominant half of football by a player than what we’re watching from Talakai?#NRLSharksManly#upup

— Mike Christian (@mrmikechristian) April 21, 2022

And if it wasn’t bad enough for Manly, Haumole Olaka’uatu Olakau’atu was sent to the sin bin for a high shot on Aiden Tolman.

But to the Sea Eagles’ credit, they mounted a comeback in the second half and scored 22 points to Cronulla’s two.

But Talakai had done the damage in the first half and the Sharks held on for a 34-22 victory that sees them consolidate their spot in the top four.