Lack of composure proves costly in SG Ball loss

A lack of composure at crucial stages has seen the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles go down in the opening round of the NSWRL SG Ball Cup.

Trailing 16-12 at half-time, the Sea Eagles felt the pressure in the second half to lose 40-18 to the Western Suburbs Magpies at Campbelltown Sports Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

The Sea Eagles ran in two first half tries to centre Koby Douglas and second-rower Mitchell Taottua to be within earshot of the home side before the Magpies applied the blowtorch in the second half.

“We were a little unlucky, we were in the game for long periods but a lack of composure with the ball put pressure on our defence,’’ said Sea Eagles Coach Brett Fulton.

“Ultimately, we let in a number of tries late in the game when we lost two of our middle forwards to injury.

“(Winger) Lehi Hopoate, (prop) Devante Mihinui and (lock) Rene Bagon all had good games.

"I thought our captain and half-back Tylor Bunting also played solidly with a badly broken nose.

“Our middle forward stocks have taken a big hit, but it will be next man up as we take on the Warriors next round."

The Sea Eagles play the Warriors at Navigation Home Stadium, Pukekohe, on Sunday, February 12.