Adiana Talakai

Adiana Talakai (Waratah #164) is an experienced hooker who grew up in a rugby-mad family.

Of Tongan heritage, Talakai played rugby league for the Mascot Jets aged four while she also played netball.

Talakai picked up Rugby Sevens as a teenager before transitioning to the 15s format. She suffered an ACL injury early in her career before making her way back into teams.

Two of three brothers, Chris and Sam, previously played for the Melbourne Rebels and in France while her cousins Billy and Mako Vunipola have enjoyed massive careers in England.

Talakai made her Super Rugby Women’s debut for the NSW Waratahs in 2020 against the Rebels and two years later she represented the Wallaroos against Fiji in 2022.

A season-ending knee injury ruled her out of Wallaroos matches in 2024 but Talakai returned to the field and produced strong performances for the Waratahs to force her way back into the national system.