Footy glamour couple Tommy Talau and Jess Sergis get caught up in romantic dilemma over NRL finals match

Tommy Talau hopes at least one Sydney Roosters star will be happy with a win over Manly in their NRL semi-final.

That’s not because a rival has left, but because Talau’s partner Jess Sergis has promised she will be at his side at the Allianz Stadium on Saturday night.

Jillaroos’ test centre Sergis is a star in his own right but is currently missing the Roosters’ NRLW final due to a serious knee injury.

But on Saturday night, Talau expects her to cheer him on.

“I like to believe she’s there to support me,” Talau said.

‘Of course she’s a Rooster, but she says she supports me. I hope she does.

“I’ll have to get her a Manly shirt and see if she wears it. I don’t know if the Roosters would be too happy about that.

‘Unfortunately there won’t be any Manly colours, but she will be cheering me on.’

The couple’s romance went public in January this year when Sergis shared a loved-up photo on social media

Talau says his other half has promised to support him if he runs against her team

The couple’s romance first came to light in January this year, when Sergis shared a loved-up photo on social media.

Talau has made it a habit to test his family’s loyalty during his first series of final exams.

Last week’s 24-22 victory over Canterbury was against the club his father Willie played 101 games for, including the 1998 final.

But at 24, it’s clear that Tommy is choosing his own path.

In his first season at Manly, Talau is clearly showing that he is the player who has made the most progress in the NRL in 2024.

After years of injuries at Wests Tigers, the winger has emerged as one of Manly’s most reliable players in defence and a more than solid finisher with the ball in hand.

“It was pretty crazy,” Talau said.

‘I worked really hard in pre-season to prepare for round one and secure a spot, but unfortunately it didn’t work out.

“I was lucky enough to get an opportunity early in the year. And then it just got better, which is really good.”

However, Talau is well aware that things have to improve before Saturday.

The victory in the final against Canterbury came despite the rare occurrence of him and fellow Manly player Lehi Hopoate failing to complete the 100 metres.

The duo were part of a five-man Manly defence that struggled to gain yards early in the set, while the Bulldogs served Manly well and dominated the game all over the field.

Sergis (pictured running the ball against Wests last month) is currently out injured as the Roosters look set to challenge for the NRLW title

The Sea Eagles are keen to get more players into the attacking line more quickly, giving them more options at the start of sets.

“The Bulldogs had great speed,” Talau said.

‘We just have to try to fill the field as much as possible because we have threats everywhere.

‘If we have a good line and set up a good attack, the defense will find it difficult to reduce and pressure our attack.

‘A lot of teams get tired and just go one out. We want to fill the field and stick to our own brand of football.’