Siosifa Talakai Inks Three Year Deal With Perth Bears

The Perth Bears are celebrating another strong signing after the club revealed it had secured devestating ball runner Siosifa Talakai to a three year deal beginning in 2027.

28 year old Talakai had spent two seasons at South Sydney before becoming a regular in Cronulla's first grade side since joining the club in 2020 and has played in two NSW Origin matches as well as for Tonga.

Known as one of the most powerful edge forwards in the competition, Talakai shot into the headlines in 2022 after a match against Manly that saw him score two tries, set up three and run for over 240 metres.

“Perth 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.

“I want to help Mal and all the team create something special in WA. It’s an exciting opportunity and my family and I are very much looking forward to building our future there."

Perth Bears coach Mal Meninga said Talakai's strength both in attack and defence will be a welcome addition to the Bears inuagral squad.

“Sifa is a dynamic player that will provide us a real X factor in both attack and defence,” he said.

“He 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.

“I’m thrilled to be able to welcome Sifa and his young family over to Western Australia to be a part of the Perth Bears."

The news follows the signing of Scott Sorensen last week which follows a number of other signings including Tyran Wishart and Toby Sexton.

Perth Bears General Manager of Football David Sharpe said the hard work had only just started as the 2027 season draws nearer.

“The addition of Scott and Siosifa this week really builds out our roster, and we are starting to see our squad take shape,” he said.

“Both men have young families, and they believe in the opportunity that the Perth Bears can offer them both on and off the field."

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