Mulitalo thriving after finding peace off the field

Cronulla Sharks flyer Ronaldo Mulitalo has credited work with a psychologist for allowing him to find balance on and off the field amid a stunning start to the season. 

The winger has scored six tries from five games, including a double in a man of the match performance in last week's win over the Rabbitohs. 

Mulitalo freely concedes his emotions have got the better of him throughout the first few years of his career but is ready to take his game to the next level now he's learnt to maintain a level head.

"I see a psychologist," Mulitalo told NRL.com. "I've got no problems but it's not about that. It's about staying on top and if something does come up I've got the tools to help myself. I'm not weak to say I see a psychologist to help myself.

"I talk to [coach Craig Fitzgibbon], we have honest conversations. The main thing is being honest with myself and honest with things I want to work on and I want to keep trying, keep failing and keep getting back up. 

"I'm trying to be a better son, a better partner for my beautiful partner but I just want to be grateful for all the things I want in my life."

Boasting 71 tries in 92 games, Mulitalo is one of the best finishers in the NRL, however it is the other areas of his game that have risen to another level in 2024. 

The winger is averaging the most running metres per game of his career at 152m and his kick return metres are up on 2023. 

Fitzgibbon has seen a clear shift in the 24-year-old's mindset and has been thrilled with Mulitalo's focus on the less glamorous aspects of his game. 

"He's working hard on himself and his emotional stability," Fitzgibbon said. "He's working to control it and direct it in the right direction for us and not waste energy.

"He loves the club, he's won the Ken Stephen Medal before for community work where he represents our club and loves the club. He can flare a bit Ronny, but he's trying to control that."

In addition to working with a psychologist and continuing the charity work he has carried out for many years, Mulitalo has made a number of other changes to his life in an effort to find balance off the field. 

The winger has moved in with his partner and added a puppy to the family, with rugby league no longer the most important thing in his life. 

The change in mindset has allowed Mulitalo to reduce the pressure he puts on himself to perform and he has started playing with more freedom as a result.