Manly Warringah Sea Eagles lost 36-26 to the Sydney Roosters in a Jersey Flegg trial at Central Coast Stadium today.
In a match played in very hot conditions, the Roosters led 18-16 at half-time before pulling away late to record a solid win.
The Roosters opened the scoring with a converted try to hooker Sam Verrills after he scooted over from dummy half for a 6-0 lead after four minutes.
Manly hit back when half-back Cade Cust delivered a nice inside pass for lock Jordan Main to score next to the posts. Five-eighth Luke Metcalf converted for a 6-all scoreline after 15 minutes.
Four minutes later, forward John Tuivati used his strength to crash over under the posts. Metcalf converted for a 12-6 lead.
The Roosters hit back three minutes later when second-rower Lyndon Hills crashed over for a fine individual try to leave his side trailing 12-10.
Roosters full-back Treymain Spry then sent winger Tyrell Neufi over for his first try for a 14-12 lead before Manly regained the lead when winger Alfred Smalley crossed in the right corner for a 16-14 lead.
The Roosters took a 18-16 lead into half-time when Neufi scored his second try as the siren sounded.
Second Half
Sydney Roosters went to 30-16 lead after 54 minutes through two tries to Fletcher Baker.
Metcalf showed his class when he took on the line to split the defence to race 35 metres to score next to the posts. He converted his own try to leave the Sea Eagles trailing 30-22 with 13 minutes remaining.
The Roosters stretched their lead to 34-22 when half-back Tom Steadman put in a short grubber kick to score himself. The try was converted for a 36-22 lead with four minutes remaining.
The Sea Eagles pulled back a try in the final seconds to Ben Gleeson for the 36-26 scoreline. Centre Bilal Maarbani failed to convert the try.
