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The deadly stats behind Sharks' NRL rise

3 minute read

Destructive centre Siosifa Talakai is only half the problem for opposition defences with Cronulla's left-edge attack emerging as among the deadliest in the NRL.

CODY WALKER.
CODY WALKER. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

They're the numbers that should have Cronulla's NRL rivals on notice and prove Siosifa Talakai is only half the problem for opposition defences.

While Talakai is the talk of the league following his first-half destruction of Manly last week, the powerhouse centre is profiting from being part of one of the most potent left-side attacks in the competition.

Forget South Sydney's renowned left with Cody Walker and prolific winger Alex Johnston, the Sharks are proving more deadly than both the Rabbitohs and Melbourne down that side.

The Sharks have created 20 tries down their left, second only to unbeaten defending premiers Penrith during the opening seven rounds of the competition.

As well as his five tries, Talakai leads the league for linebreak assists with nine ahead of Sharks halfback Nicho Hines (8) and fullback Will Kennedy (7).

Talakai also boasts the equal-most tackle busts alongside Josh Addo-Carr with 43, while his left winger Ronaldo Mulitalo's 12 line breaks are almost double the next best - seven - of any other player this season.

While heaping praise on Talakai, Cronulla coach Craig Fitzgibbon says the sleight of hand from halves Matt Moylan and Hynes along with the efforts of Mulitalo and back-rower Teig Wilton can't be ignored.

"Matt Moylan's been integral. His combination with Nicho has been really guiding the team around," Fitzgibbon said on the eve of the Sharks' round-eight meeting with Brisbane at Suncorp Stadium.

"Sifa's been a beneficiary of that but you'd have to probably underestimate Teig Wilton and Ronny's role in that as well.

"So they're very connected at the moment and playing well and we'd like to stay consistent on the edge."

The first-year head coach conceded he was surprised the Sharks, with several new faces including Hynes, had gelled so quickly.

And with club captain Wade Graham set for his long-awaited return against the Broncos on Thursday, Cronulla's left edge will only be more dangerous.

Fitzgibbon, though, isn't getting carried away by the fourth-placed Sharks' impressive start.

"There's a long way to go this season," he said.

"It's been enjoyable. Obviously we've been pretty consistent throughout the opening seven rounds.

"We've had a couple of halves there in recent weeks that we haven't been happy with but so far it's been enjoyable."

STATS THAT SHOW CRONULLA'S BRILLIANT LEFT:

* Second most tries created down left side

* Siosifa Talakai leading linebreak assists and equal-best in tackle busts

* Talakai first in centres for metres and post-contact metres

* Ronaldo Mulitalo first in league for linebreaks,

* Nicho Hynes second for linebreak assists (playing primarily on the right, but sweeping to left at times), with fullback Will Kennedy equal-third)

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