Have a read of this article.
It's not Riccio but it does present a more balanced approach when it comes to Sifa moving on.
It says after his contract runs out at the end of 26, and him maybe wanting more cash as it will probably be his last deal, which makes sense. All from Ronnie's mouth.
‘We’d love to keep the big fella’: Ronaldo Mulitalo wants Siosifa Talakai to stay at the Sharks
Siosifa Talakai’s teammates love what he brings to the team, but they can understand why the cult hero might leave the Sharks with a year left on his deal.
Martin Gabor
2 min read
August 4, 2025 - 12:00PM
NewsWire
Sharks winger Ronaldo Mulitalo would love great mate Siosifa Talakai to stay beyond the 2026 season, but he said he’d hold no grudges if the powerhouse chased more money and a longer contract elsewhere to support his family.
Talakai has another year to run on his deal but could be set to leave the Shire at the end of the season following a report last week that he and teammate Braden Hamlin-Uele were unlikely to receive an extension beyond 2026.
The 28-year-old has represented NSW and Tonga and has established himself as one of the finest ball-playing centres who can easily switch from the outside backs into the middle where he turns into a wrecking ball.
Talakai threw the final pass for one of Mulitalo’s two tries against the Cowboys on Sunday and has forged a great bond on the left edge with one of the game’s best finishers.
“He loves this club through and through. Obviously, the media are going to say stuff,” Mulitalo said.
“I went through it earlier this year, but it’s about what he wants and what’s important for his family.
“Regardless of what we think, he’s got kids and a partner he has to look after and a mortgage to pay off. Whatever’s important for him and his family, we have to accept that and run with it.
“I don’t think I want to begrudge him (if he leaves) because he’s so big and scary. Good luck if you do.
“We’ve built something so strong around here and we love each other more than teammates. You’ve got to respect that we’re grown men and there are men with real problems (like) mortgages and putting food on the table for your family.
“We’re not going to put food on the table for families; it’s individuals who do that. You’ve got to respect that these are men who are dealing with their livelihoods.
“No grudges if someone wants to leave or they find opportunities somewhere else, but in saying that, we’d love to keep the big fella around.”
Talakai started the season coming off the bench but has moved back to left centre following a serious pectoral injury suffered by rising star KL Iro.
Iro is set to return in time for the finals and will slot straight back into the starting side, according to coach Craig Fitzgibbon, although Mulitalo is comfortable playing with either guy.
“The big fella is a powerhouse athlete,” he said of Talakai.
“He’s played Origin before, and you need to remember these guys have played internationals. They’re not just guys off the couch who come in to do a fill-in job.
“He’s a world-class player and that’s what he’s meant to do. I’m happy to have the big fella inside me.”
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