Interviews with Sifa Talakai and Blayke Brailey in Prelim Week!

[00:00:00] SharkCast! SharkCast! SharkCast! SharkCast! SharkCast!

[00:00:08] Fafina tries to crash his way over the door

[00:00:12] Fafina dropped the ball over the line

[00:00:14] And all you people back in the shower

[00:00:17] Tell you watch live drop, cause we're coming over the trophy

[00:00:31] Hey there welcome to SharkCast podcast

[00:00:34] Dedicated to the greatest sporting club in the history of the world

[00:00:36] The mighty Cronulla Sutherland Sharks

[00:00:38] This short, sharp interview based episode is brought to you by Dyson Logistics

[00:00:43] The Royal Mody Yacht Club in Port Hacking

[00:00:44] And Jason Hawes at Crips & Crips Real Estate

[00:00:47] My name is Sam Shanaszi and OG from 2015

[00:00:50] This is our 10th season of podcasting

[00:00:53] And this is our third Prelim Final that we're covering

[00:00:57] As a podcast we had 2016, we had 2018

[00:01:02] Now we have 2024 against the Panthers

[00:01:05] Saturday night just before 8 o'clock out at Homebush

[00:01:09] It's going to be an epic encounter and we're going to shock the world

[00:01:13] Big weekend for the sharks, big week for the sharks

[00:01:17] On Sunday they're in three important games

[00:01:21] One is a Grand Final, the New Town Jets

[00:01:24] The other is a Grand Final, Jersey Flag

[00:01:28] Against Canterbury

[00:01:31] And we also have the NRLW Prelim Game against the Broncos

[00:01:36] That's all happening Sunday afternoon

[00:01:38] The night before, as I said, Homebush

[00:01:41] The forecast is a bit cloudy, a bit cool and a bit of rain

[00:01:46] Particularly when the game is on, now that could change

[00:01:48] Obviously we're quite away out from the game itself

[00:01:52] But something to keep in mind, do you think that helps us?

[00:01:55] Do you think it hurts us? Let us know your thoughts

[00:01:57] sharkhaspota.com at sharkhaspota.com on all the socials

[00:02:01] Give us a follow on those socials

[00:02:04] Hit subscribe on the YouTube

[00:02:06] Keep in touch with us, help us out by doing those minor things

[00:02:10] And we appreciate the reviews that we're getting to on Apple in particular

[00:02:14] So if you're on Apple, listening to us love a positive review

[00:02:19] If it's negative, maybe don't do it

[00:02:22] But I appreciate everyone listening

[00:02:24] We're having great fun doing these episodes for you

[00:02:27] And it's quite overwhelming the response we're getting

[00:02:31] So completely, completely appreciate it

[00:02:33] And again, great to meet everyone out at the ground

[00:02:36] That we did last Friday

[00:02:39] The team has been named for the clash on Saturday

[00:02:43] There are no changes to the team that actually ran out

[00:02:45] So it's Will Kennedy, Sione Katoa, Jesse Ramian, Katt

[00:02:49] Iro, Renato Maltala, Brayden Trindle, Nico Hines

[00:02:52] Tobi Rudolph, Blake Brailey, Oregon Cofusi, Britton Nicarag, T. Wilton

[00:02:57] Captain Cam, McKinnis, Locke Zascram, the immediate bench

[00:03:00] Is Sifatalakai, Jack Williams, Royce Hunt and Tall Tom Hazelton

[00:03:04] The extended bench is Dan Atkinson, Brayden Hamlinwelli

[00:03:07] Malwini, Harotti, Jaden Barrel and Sam Stonestreet

[00:03:11] Now out of that extended bench I'd be keeping an eye on Dan Atkinson

[00:03:15] I'd be keeping an eye on Sam Stonestreet

[00:03:17] I'd maybe even keep my eye on Malwini Harotti

[00:03:20] So see how things pan out

[00:03:23] We're led to believe that we'll be 1-17

[00:03:25] All 17 players will be fit and firing by 8 o'clock on Saturday

[00:03:31] A few of them do have a few bumps and bruises

[00:03:34] But at the moment there's not anything to worry about there

[00:03:39] And it's going to be a huge one

[00:03:41] The Panthers have named their team as you can imagine

[00:03:44] It's fairly strong

[00:03:46] Edwards at fullback to Roover and Toa O' other wingers

[00:03:50] Targo and Alamotti in the centres

[00:03:53] Luoy and Cleary are the halves

[00:03:55] Front row of Lyotta, Kenny and James Fisher Harris

[00:03:59] Back row of Luke Garner, Liam Martin and Isaiah Yeo

[00:04:04] The bench is Brad Schneider, Lindsay Smith, Liam Henry

[00:04:07] And Matt Eisenhooth, extended bench

[00:04:09] Casey McClain, Trent Tolau

[00:04:12] Scott Sorenson, Dane Laurie and Luke Summerton

[00:04:15] And I believe Scott Sorenson will be making a pretty big push to play

[00:04:20] Now we'll get into lots of analysis during the week

[00:04:23] And during some other episodes

[00:04:24] But just looking at that team

[00:04:26] There's some 3 quarters there that we can target defensively

[00:04:29] And with kicks

[00:04:29] I think that there's some edges in the forward which we can target

[00:04:34] And I do believe that our bench on our day

[00:04:37] Is actually a lot better than theirs

[00:04:39] So there are ways to win this game

[00:04:41] There are strengths and weaknesses

[00:04:43] I believe that the club, the coach, the players doing everything they can to

[00:04:49] Make the most of this opportunity

[00:04:50] And that's what your key Craig Fitzgibbon talked about throughout the week

[00:04:53] It's an amazing opportunity

[00:04:55] And that's what it is

[00:04:56] Had the absolute pleasure of chatting with two of the sharks this week

[00:05:03] Both guys have always given me really good time

[00:05:06] And chats

[00:05:07] One is Blake Brailey

[00:05:08] We have another chat this week about things

[00:05:11] And Sivit Talakai

[00:05:12] Who probably my fourth interview with him maybe

[00:05:15] But every time we get him it's really a deep chat

[00:05:19] And he's a heavy thinker

[00:05:23] And really enjoyed my time with him as well

[00:05:25] And was able to chat to other players off the record

[00:05:29] And they're all in a pretty good space

[00:05:31] I think they know what's ahead of them

[00:05:33] But I think they also know what it means when they win

[00:05:36] And I'm looking forward to seeing how this team responds on Saturday night

[00:05:41] It's definitely not going to be an easy one

[00:05:43] That's the overstatement of the century, lifetime

[00:05:47] It's there for us to do, there for us to take

[00:05:49] And I have to believe they're not going to shy away from it

[00:05:52] They're going to go for it

[00:05:53] And you can hear some of that chat in the interviews with the players

[00:05:58] Not sure where the status is of availability

[00:06:01] But the sharks did have some buses

[00:06:03] That you could book from I believe Shark Park

[00:06:07] Or maybe it's the club, you'll have to check your emails

[00:06:09] But the club had some buses on

[00:06:13] I think it was announced on Monday

[00:06:16] So if you want to go to the game with like my own fans

[00:06:21] And not worry about car parks or public transport etc.

[00:06:26] Parking, you can see if there's some seats left on the bus

[00:06:30] Definitely get behind any team that you can of these four teams

[00:06:34] It's an amazing thing to be in four finals of these situations at this time of the year

[00:06:41] So two grand finals, two prelims

[00:06:44] No other club in the NRL has done it this year

[00:06:46] And it's a very penra thing to do in recent times

[00:06:50] So maybe that shows where the club is lifting to

[00:06:54] We're not quite there yet

[00:06:55] But there's not much more they could do than finish in these games

[00:06:59] In fact there's nothing else they could do

[00:07:01] The only thing they can do now is win

[00:07:03] So to get to this point is really a great achievement

[00:07:07] And whether you're a rusted on support like most of our listeners

[00:07:10] Or if you're a person who gets more excited at this time of the year

[00:07:14] And you sort of jump back on the sharks' train line

[00:07:17] Then welcome back to the show

[00:07:18] I know a bunch of you have been listening who haven't

[00:07:20] So it's been good to see you come back

[00:07:22] And encourage you all just to get behind this club

[00:07:25] Back with more episodes throughout the week that I'm pretty sure of

[00:07:30] But until then I'd love for you to stick around and listen to the chats I had

[00:07:34] With Blake Brailey and Sifa Talakai

[00:07:36] Until then make sure you secure a ticket to the game

[00:07:39] If you can get there, if you can afford it

[00:07:41] If you can get the time away from whatever it is you're doing

[00:07:44] Get out there and support the crew

[00:07:46] I know there is a number of sharks fans going there

[00:07:48] I'm hearing about it and I'm seeing it

[00:07:50] But the more the merrier

[00:07:51] And we need to own that stadium

[00:07:54] Because penderer fans know what it's like

[00:07:56] They've experienced this year in, year out

[00:07:59] And we have had some success over the last 10 years of course

[00:08:04] But not like they have

[00:08:05] And we want to really let them know that it's our time

[00:08:09] Thank you again for everything

[00:08:10] We'll speak to you soon

[00:08:11] Up up Cronulla, let's go

[00:08:27] And he got away

[00:08:29] He burned Welsh

[00:08:30] Then he got 50

[00:08:31] Now the Talakai

[00:08:39] Sunbussies way to the line

[00:08:41] And the sharks are surely going to claim a massive scalp

[00:08:46] And take the Melbourne store mountain

[00:08:49] In Melbourne here at Amy Park

[00:08:51] Oh this is, this is some night for the Cronulla shark

[00:08:56] Sifa Talakai, welcome back to Sharkast pod

[00:08:58] Congrats on the win

[00:08:59] Came off the bench

[00:09:00] I believe your injury is healing well

[00:09:03] Yeah, yeah, injury is going well

[00:09:07] Thank God for that

[00:09:10] Yeah, it's good to get the win

[00:09:11] And finally pay back the fans

[00:09:14] And coach the staff for all their hard work

[00:09:16] And everyone's support

[00:09:18] No it's good

[00:09:19] It's a good week ahead of us

[00:09:21] And a good challenge

[00:09:21] But we're, yeah, we look forward to it

[00:09:24] What was your emotions like in front of that huge crowd

[00:09:26] Out at Allianz Stadium

[00:09:28] Different stadium for us

[00:09:29] And getting the win, how did that feel

[00:09:30] Yeah, getting the win felt good

[00:09:33] You know, it's something that has been

[00:09:35] A bit, you know, a video about

[00:09:37] Yeah, us not doing too well in finals

[00:09:40] But you know, here we are now

[00:09:42] And we've worked hard for this opportunity from

[00:09:46] Last year pre-season

[00:09:47] And it's just good to see everything come to fruition

[00:09:51] But job's not done yet

[00:09:53] We still have another week ahead

[00:09:55] Probably our biggest challenge yet

[00:09:57] And yeah, we look forward to it

[00:09:59] Yeah, huge challenge against Penrith

[00:10:01] We know that we're the underdogs

[00:10:04] Where do you think we need to improve on

[00:10:07] Compared to the Cowboys game?

[00:10:10] Yeah, there's certain little lapses that we

[00:10:13] That we need to improve on going into this game

[00:10:16] And it's just, especially the second half of me

[00:10:19] First come out, just not

[00:10:23] Just keeping our foot on the pedal

[00:10:25] And not easing up or having a bit of relief

[00:10:28] Because we're up and just sticking to the plan

[00:10:32] Really, staying hard and gritty

[00:10:34] And starving teams of the opportunity

[00:10:38] Did you sense any kind of worry amongst you

[00:10:41] Or the team when they made their comeback?

[00:10:44] They got to within eight points with about ten to go?

[00:10:46] Not at all, really

[00:10:48] At times it did get frantic

[00:10:51] But I thought

[00:10:52] I thought the team, you reacted pretty well

[00:10:56] You know, no one really showed any signs of stress or anything

[00:11:00] Everyone just stuck to the game plan

[00:11:02] And we all just got our jobs done

[00:11:05] Let's talk about Nicko Hines for a minute

[00:11:07] I know everyone always asks you about him

[00:11:08] I'm going to go for a different tact

[00:11:11] What's it like playing with a girl like that

[00:11:12] Overcoming that adversity

[00:11:14] We know that he was scrutinised throughout the week

[00:11:16] Quite unfairly

[00:11:18] What's it like looking over at him

[00:11:20] And seeing the team's song and playing so well?

[00:11:22] It was good

[00:11:24] I thought the boys had done well to get around him as well

[00:11:27] And just letting him know that he wasn't on his own

[00:11:30] A lot of times

[00:11:33] When our team does well

[00:11:35] He gets all the praises

[00:11:36] But then he also gets...

[00:11:39] He's pretty much escaped

[00:11:40] A lot of people like to make out

[00:11:42] But at the end of the day

[00:11:44] His team's supporting

[00:11:48] It's as much as Alphard is

[00:11:49] But that's not saying that he's...

[00:11:55] Playing with him

[00:11:57] He's a strong character

[00:11:58] He's a real leader

[00:12:00] He does a lot behind the scenes

[00:12:04] Not just for the sake of himself

[00:12:08] But for the rest of us as well

[00:12:11] He's a big part of our team

[00:12:12] We love him

[00:12:15] We love him for everything he does

[00:12:17] He's a real leader

[00:12:18] And we all like to follow under him as well

[00:12:20] What about his halves teammate, Trindle

[00:12:22] Man of the match

[00:12:23] He's overcome adversity himself this year

[00:12:25] He's now in the spotlight

[00:12:27] For good reasons

[00:12:28] What's he like?

[00:12:30] Yeah, he's another one

[00:12:32] We've all known Tricky to have that X-Factor

[00:12:34] And to be that player

[00:12:36] I think it's just taken a while for him to realise that

[00:12:39] And pursue his own greatness

[00:12:41] And it's just good to finally see all his hard work

[00:12:45] And what our belief in him comes to fruition

[00:12:48] We've always known him to be that player

[00:12:49] But it was just a matter of him taking these opportunities

[00:12:52] And making the most out of it

[00:12:54] Playing with him, man

[00:12:57] Yeah, it's good

[00:12:58] Because he's a real competitor as well

[00:13:00] Like you see him on every play

[00:13:01] He doesn't stop moving

[00:13:03] He's always covering for doing his job

[00:13:05] And doing someone else's job at the same time

[00:13:08] Just playing with him is great

[00:13:09] Having them both together

[00:13:11] Becoming a rivalry amongst them

[00:13:13] And amongst the team

[00:13:15] It's something you can't take for granted

[00:13:17] We're really grateful for both of them

[00:13:19] Biggest game of your career this week, would you say?

[00:13:23] I don't know

[00:13:24] Depends how you look at it, I guess?

[00:13:25] Yeah, it depends how you look at it

[00:13:28] Possibly yes

[00:13:28] But to me every game is the same

[00:13:32] There's more at stake this time

[00:13:33] But, no

[00:13:36] So do you not think about it that way?

[00:13:38] You're just looking at it as another game?

[00:13:40] Yeah, well I treat every game the same

[00:13:44] Give my respect to opponents

[00:13:45] But I like to get after the game

[00:13:49] Regardless who we're playing

[00:13:50] And what opportunity it is for

[00:13:53] As long as I leave it all out there

[00:13:55] There's not much else I can do really

[00:13:57] Before I let you go I have to make an apology to you

[00:14:01] West Tiger's game

[00:14:02] You didn't play correct, do you remember that?

[00:14:04] Didn't play here?

[00:14:05] Yeah, yeah I didn't

[00:14:06] Suspended, injured?

[00:14:07] I injured

[00:14:08] So for the first time in following his team

[00:14:10] For 35 years I got to go backstage

[00:14:12] And sing a song, right?

[00:14:14] Gary got me in singing the song

[00:14:17] After we sang the song

[00:14:18] I'm shaking a few boys' hands

[00:14:20] I see you, make eye contact

[00:14:22] I said, hey Sifa, good game

[00:14:25] And he didn't play

[00:14:26] Because I was in that routine of good game

[00:14:28] Good game game

[00:14:29] I apologize

[00:14:30] No no, that's all good

[00:14:32] You know, there's no disrespect

[00:14:34] Absolutely

[00:14:35] It wasn't taken in the wrong way

[00:14:36] I just wanted to clear that

[00:14:39] We'll play fire on the motion

[00:14:42] The boys got the win

[00:14:43] It was good to get revenge back on them

[00:14:46] We're just happy

[00:14:49] Sifa, have a great game this weekend

[00:14:51] And we're all behind you

[00:14:52] Appreciate it

[00:14:53] Thanks brother

[00:15:05] And oh my goodness

[00:15:09] Rellel Otello

[00:15:11] High above them

[00:15:14] What's with that?

[00:15:15] Oh, a cauliflower

[00:15:16] And they had to be drained

[00:15:19] And then to keep the pressure on it

[00:15:21] To not bluff again

[00:15:22] They put winter

[00:15:24] Which is an interesting method

[00:15:26] Alright

[00:15:27] Blake Brehle, let's get a little bit closer here

[00:15:30] Congrats on the

[00:15:31] I hope you can hear me through those things

[00:15:33] Congrats on a great game

[00:15:35] What were the emotions like in full time?

[00:15:38] Yeah, obviously very high

[00:15:40] We've been working so hard to

[00:15:42] Finally win a finals game

[00:15:43] And to finally win one

[00:15:45] I can definitely say

[00:15:47] And I think all the boys agree

[00:15:48] Winning a finals game is a lot better than losing one

[00:15:50] So yeah everyone was very happy

[00:15:53] The vibes are great

[00:15:54] Everyone was happy

[00:15:55] Everyone was excited

[00:15:56] And hopefully we can win some more

[00:15:58] Because they're a lot better winners

[00:16:00] It was a tough game

[00:16:02] And I thought we would dominate the whole way

[00:16:04] Like with a better team

[00:16:05] Couple of disillured tries

[00:16:06] Couple bomb tries

[00:16:08] What was it like in the second half?

[00:16:10] They were coming for us

[00:16:11] You could feel it

[00:16:12] What did the team do to hold their nerve?

[00:16:14] What was the instruction?

[00:16:15] Yeah, well we obviously went in that first half

[00:16:17] With a pretty good lead

[00:16:19] So we knew how to back out of fence

[00:16:21] And again that first try

[00:16:22] They scored was in two minutes

[00:16:24] Which was a bit of a shock for us

[00:16:26] We knew how to tighten the screws up

[00:16:28] A little bit there

[00:16:28] So we knew they were going to come out fast

[00:16:31] And firing

[00:16:31] And that's what they did there in that second half

[00:16:33] And we showed if we don't complete well

[00:16:36] We don't defend well

[00:16:37] They can make your pace

[00:16:39] So definitely need to be a lot better this week

[00:16:41] And yeah, thankfully we could hold them off

[00:16:44] And we could win

[00:16:46] What was it like out at the stadium

[00:16:47] With the crowd there singing along

[00:16:49] And getting behind you?

[00:16:50] You could feel it?

[00:16:51] Yeah, it was great

[00:16:51] It didn't feel like it was

[00:16:53] I felt a lot bigger crowd than what the number showed

[00:16:56] But it was great to see the Sharks faithful

[00:17:00] Left the shy

[00:17:01] And could go out and support us

[00:17:03] So we definitely felt it

[00:17:05] Could definitely feel it when we run out

[00:17:06] So yeah, it was great to see so many people there

[00:17:08] And the crowd to be a majority of Black, White and Blue

[00:17:11] Big one this week

[00:17:12] Goes without saying

[00:17:13] With the underdogs, that's fine

[00:17:15] We like that

[00:17:16] What do we have to do better than last week

[00:17:18] To beat the pen worth the Panthers?

[00:17:20] Yeah, definitely defend well

[00:17:21] We obviously showed there in that second half

[00:17:23] That if you don't defend well

[00:17:25] If you miss tackles

[00:17:26] And the rucks too fast

[00:17:27] They can make your pay

[00:17:28] And obviously, Panthers are the best of the best

[00:17:31] At the moment

[00:17:31] They've done so much great things the last three years

[00:17:35] So we definitely need to be on our best game

[00:17:39] And yeah, they're such a great side

[00:17:42] So we definitely need to be on our toes for sure

[00:17:44] I know at times like this in the season

[00:17:46] It's more about us and focusing on us

[00:17:49] Do you do a bit of video on them?

[00:17:52] Yeah, you do

[00:17:53] You obviously have to see what shapes they run

[00:17:55] And how they play

[00:17:56] And it's obviously hard for other teams to sort of

[00:17:59] Come with a plan

[00:18:00] Because they are so good

[00:18:02] And they've been for so long

[00:18:04] We definitely will dive into them

[00:18:05] But yeah, like you said

[00:18:06] It is more about us

[00:18:07] And how we play and our plan

[00:18:09] And how we're going to approach the game

[00:18:11] So we definitely will take a little bit from them

[00:18:14] But it's definitely a majority us for sure

[00:18:15] A lot of energy from the team last week

[00:18:17] A lot of offloads

[00:18:19] Pushing up on kicks

[00:18:20] Kick pressure

[00:18:21] Can we expect the same?

[00:18:23] Yeah, it's definitely

[00:18:24] You know, finals football

[00:18:25] Is all about those 1% little efforts

[00:18:27] And speaking of weight after game

[00:18:29] You're talking about how you win the moments

[00:18:31] And you win the game

[00:18:32] And obviously you show

[00:18:33] We've got a couple of trials from kicks

[00:18:34] And offloads and support plays

[00:18:36] And they're the little moments he was talking about

[00:18:38] And yeah, I definitely think

[00:18:40] If you do them right

[00:18:41] And you invest your energy into them

[00:18:44] It repays you a lot

[00:18:45] So it's definitely great to hear his insight

[00:18:48] And his wisdom

[00:18:49] And I'm sure we'll be going for that this weekend

[00:18:51] All right, Blake, we're all behind you

[00:18:53] Good luck, get the win

[00:18:55] We'll do this for Grand Final Preview

[00:18:58] Thanks, Blake

[00:19:34] And all you people back in the show

[00:19:36] Tell you what's life's up

[00:19:39] Because we're coming out with a trophy