Two tries from talented back-rower Siua Fotu was a highlight in Manly’s opening round win of the SG Ball competition on Saturday.
The Sea Eagles beat Victoria Thunderbolt 30-18 at Cranbourne East with Fotu having a strong game in the U18s competition.
His performance was even more impressive considering Fotu played up an age division after being one of the shining lights in Manly winning their inaugural Harold Matthews (U16s) title last year.
Manly SG Ball Coach Brett Fulton said the game was played in extremely windy conditions.
“We got off to a good start to lead 20-0 at half-time. The wind then played a bit of havoc for our boys in the second half and the Thunderbolts came back well at us in the end,’’ Fulton said.
“Siua played really well for a young kid playing a year up.
“I also thought prop Viliami Fifita played very strongly in his first competition game in 12 months after recovering from injury.
“Kaeo Weekes went well at full-back and half-back Jamie Lawler tackled very strongly, there were some good performances.”
The Sea Eagles will again be on the road this Saturday (Feb 16) when they tackle Newcastle Knights at St Johns Oval, Charlestown at 1.30pm.
“The Knights are always tough to play up there. They are a club that is always at the pointy end of the ladder in terms of competing for premiership titles in the junior reps,’’ Fulton added.
SG Ball Rd 1
Sea Eagles 30 (Siua Fotu 2, Josh Schuster, Uluaki Tuipulotu, Siua Fotu, Kaeo Weekes, Pepe-Jonah Palota-Kopa tries; Jack Birt 3 goals) d Victoria Thunderbolts 18 (Jack Natapu, Sione Finau, Tuilepogai Ieremia, Dean Ieremia tries; Pita-Will Purcell goal)
