The impressive Tommy Talau joined an elite group of players with his four try haul against the Penrith Panthers on Sunday.
Talau became the 20th player out of 654 Manly first grade players to score four tries in a match since the club’s inception in 1947.
The last Sea Eagles player to achieve that feat was current Manly centre Reuben Garrick against the Gold Coast Titans at Cbus Super Stadium in June, 2021
Australian and NSW winger Les Hanigan holds the club record after scoring five tries in a match against the Cronulla Sharks at Brookvale Oval on May 14, 1967.
Talau's four tries sees him join the likes of Immortal Bob Fulton, Ken Irvine, Ray Ritchie, Ron Rowles, Russel Gartner, Phil Blake, and David Williams to name a few.
Tom Mooney and Steve Menzies also share a special feat, being the only Manly players to score four tries in a match twice in their careers.
Talau crossed for his first NRL hat-trick in his 58 game career with three tries in eight minutes against Penrith. He then crossed for his fourth in the 62nd minute.
"I felt like I was just catching them and putting them down. I was just pretty lucky I was on the end of it,'' a humble Talau said.
“I’m super grateful. The boys sent the ball out to me and they did their job in attack. I just did my role as a winger."
Manly Coach Anthony Seibold said Talau has been the team's 'most improved player' since joining the Sea Eagles for the pre-season following four years at the Wests Tigers.
Talau has scored 11 tries in 11 games for Manly, including nine tries in his last six appearances.
"I needed a change of scenery for myself. I needed to refresh and I have done that here at Manly,'' Talau added.
“I have got myself in good condition and the boys have been awesome to me.
“There is a great group of players here. They give me confidence week in, week out. I just want to do my job, so I don’t let them down.”
Most Tries in a Match
5 Les Hanigan v Cronulla, Brookvale Oval, May 14, 1967.
4 Andrew Sullivan v Roosters, Sydney Sports Ground, Aug 1, 1953
4 Ron Rowles v Parramatta, Brookvale Oval, July 24, 1954
4 Ray Ritchie v Canterbury, Brookvale Oval, April 19, 1958
4 Brian Allsop v Balmain, Leichhardt Oval, May 7, 1961
4 Len Wadling v South Sydney, Brookvale Oval, April 28, 1962.
4 John McDonald v Parramatta, Brookvale Oval, April 19, 1970
4 Ken Irvine v Penrith, Penrith Park, August 8, 1971
4 Bob Fulton v Balmain, Brookvale Oval, August 6, 1972
4 Johnny Mayes v Penrith, Penrith Park, July 29, 1973
4 Tom Mooney v Penrith, Brookvale Oval, May 8, 1976
4 Russel Gartner v Newtown, Brookvale Oval, August 14, 1977
4 Tom Mooney v Canterbury, Brookvale Oval, August 25, 1979
4 Phil Blake v Canterbury, Brookvale Oval, March 13, 1983
4 Steve Menzies v South Sydney, Brookvale Oval, March 24, 1996
4 John Hopoate v South Sydney, Sydney Football Stadium, September 1, 1996
4 Terry Hill v South Qld, Brookvale Oval, July 6, 1997
4 Steve Menzies v Western Suburbs, Brookvale Oval, July 11, 1999
4 David Williams v Parramatta, Brookvale Oval , July 8, 2012
4 Peta Hiku v Canberra, Brookvale Oval, April 27, 2014
4 Akuila Uate v South Sydney, Allianz Stadium, April 28, 2017
4 Reuben Garrick v Gold Coast Titans, Cbus Super Stadium, June 20, 2021
4 Tommy Talau vs Penrith Panthers, BlueBet Stadium, June 9, 2024
