Manly Warringah Sea Eagles suffered a 40-18 loss to the Sydney Roosters at Lottoland today in the second round of the Jersey Flegg competition today.
The U20s match was the opening game of the season for both teams after all sides had a bye in the first round.
It was not a happy start to the season for the Sea Eagles under Coach Matt Ballin with the Roosters dominating the first half to lead 28-6 at the break.
The Roosters opened the scoring in the 15th minute when half-back Harrison Edwards scored after winger Cameron Hall swooped on a grubber kick from centre Christian Tuipulotu. Centre Ethan O’Neill converted for a 6-0 lead.
Some soft defence in the middle saw Roosters full-back McKenzie Baker beat several defenders to score next to the posts. O’Neill converted for a 12-0 lead after 23 minutes.
It became 18-0 two minutes later when hooker Freddy Lussick finished off a break up the middle to score. O’Neill converted the try from in front of the posts.
Sydney Roosters went to a 22-0 lead when winger Tyrell Neiufi dived over in the corner two minutes later. O’Neill failed to convert the try.
Manly got on the board five minutes before half-time when second-rower Ben Gleeson crashed over near the posts. Full-back Roly Podesta converted for a 22-6 scoreline.
A good offload by Malachi Retchford saw Baker score his second try. O’Neill converted from in front for a 28-6 lead at half-time.
The Roosters went to a 32-6 lead when forward Stanley Malae crashed over under the posts. O’Neill converted for a 34-6 scoreline after 42 minutes.
The Sea Eagles hit back when winger Zhivargo Fai’ Tupulua finished off a backline play to score in the left corner. Podesta converted for a 34-12 scoreline with 15 minutes remaining.
Lussick scored his second try to further extend the lead to 38-12. O’Neill converted for a 40-12 lead with seven minutes remaining.
The Sea Eagles scored a late consolation try to Logan Humphries which Podesta converted for the 40-18 scoreline.
