Sea Eagles lose 32-6 to Raiders

Manly Warringah Sea Eagles suffered a 32-6 loss to the Canberra Raiders in the opening round of the NSWRL Harold Matthews Cup competition in Belconnen today.

The Sea Eagles went into the game with a host of new players under new Coach Alex Moore after winning the U17s premiership last season.

Manly got off a bad start with a drop ball from the kick-off. The Raiders took advantage when they scored a few tackles later when a short pass saw second-rower Noah Martin crash over. Winger Samuel Gash failed to convert from close range for a 4-0 lead after four minutes.

Three minutes later, the home side jumped to a 10-0 lead after   forward Elvis Nauer-Wood carried three defenders over the line to score. Gash converted from next to the posts.

Canberra extended their lead to 14-0 after prop Mathias Tomuli- Ah-Koui – who could pass for a mini Josh Papapii with his natural resemblance – scored under the posts. Gash converted for a 16-0 lead.

The Sea Eagles opened their account when five-eighth Tuaomaliemavaitoelau Patea scored from dummy half in the 27 minute. Half-time Jackson Cahill-Smith converted to leave Manly trailing 16-6 at half-time.

Manly didn’t help their cause in the first half with a number of drop balls and rushed plays.

The Raiders went to a 20-6 lead two minutes after half-time when Martin chased through a grubber kick to score his second try. Gash failed to convert the try.

Tomuli- Ah-Koui scored his second try when he juggled the ball before regaining just before the line to score next to the posts. Gash converted for a 26-6 lead with 12 minutes remaining.

The Sea Eagles then lost captain Lehi Hopoate to the sin-bin for a professional foul with seven minutes remaining.

Two minutes later, Tomuli- Ah-Koui grabbed his hat-trick after carrying three defenders over the line. Gash converted for a 32-6 lead.