Eagles

Cronulla wrecking ball Siosifa Talakai was virtually unstoppable in the first half as he scored two tries and laid on three others in arguably the best 40 minute display by any player this season as the Sharks raced to a 32-0 half-time lead.

The Sydney-born Talakai, who played for the junior Kiwis but has pledged his World Cup allegiances to Tonga, also produced three line breaks, two line-break assists, seven tackle breaks and three off-loads while carrying the ball 202 metres in 13 runs at left centre.

Rocked by a knee injury to young star Matt Rowell in the first quarter, the Suns kept their focus and made the Eagles work for everything, taking a seven-point lead in the opening minute of the final term.

But some telling aerial contests from Allen and a critical goal that snatched back the lead saw the Eagles steady to kick four unanswered goals and win 12.11 (83) to 8.10 (58).  

The band announced Frey’s death Monday “With the heaviest of hearts” in a statement on its official website.

 Frey passed away Monday in New York City after a “courageous battle”, succumbing to complications from rheumatoid arthritis, acute ulcerative colitis and pneumonia, the statement said.

Along with his role as the band’s lead guitarist, Frey was also a talented singer and songwriter. Frey’s vocals can be heard on many classic Eagles singles including Take It Easy and Tequila Sunrise.