A dominant performance built on gutsy defence and some scintillating attack has seen the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles record an impressive 28-16 trial win over the Sydney Roosters in Gosford tonight.
The victory will go close to seeing the Sea Eagles possibly claiming the $100,000 first prize cheque for winners of the inaugural NRL Pre-Season Challenge after Manly beat South Sydney last week. Manly picked up 14 of the 15 maximum points available.
The Sea Eagles took a commanding 20-0 lead into half-time on the back of four first half tries and some great defence, especially on their own line.
Jake Trbojevic captained the Sea Eagles with new Manly Coach Anthony Seibold resting Daly Cherry-Evans, Tom Trbojevic and Lachlan Croker for the team's final trial ahead of their season opener against the Bulldogs at 4 Pines Park on Saturday, March 4.
After soaking up some early pressure inside their quarter, the Sea Eagles opened the scoring with a try to new second-rower Kelma Tuilagi off a cross field kick from hooker Gordon Chan Kum Tong that was knocked back by centre Brad Parker for a 4-0 lead after six minutes.
The Sea Eagles almost took an 8-0 lead a minute later but winger Reuben Garrick’s foot slid over the sideline before putting the ball down.
Some great cover defence by half-back Cooper Johns and full-back Kaeo Weekes stopped winger Daniel Tupou from scoring in the 12th minute.
The Sea Eagles then put on a lovely try when slick hands from Chan Kum Tong, Josh Schuster and Tuilagi saw Garrick dive over. Garrick converted from the sideline for a 10-0 lead after 17 minutes.
Manly then showed some true grit in defence after soaking up back to back penalties on their line. The Sea Eagles were rewarded in the 24th minute when centre Tolu Koula combined with Weekes for Koula to score under the posts. Garrick converted for a 16-0 lead after 25 minutes.
Eight minutes later, Parker leaves the field for a second time after copping a nasty knock to the face, resulting in plenty of blood.
The Sea Eagles then dug deep again with Zac Fulton stopping Drew Hutchinson from scoring next to the posts in the 35th minute.
The hard work in defence again paid off when Garrick went over for his second try three minutes later after some great hands by Schuster, Johns and Weekes. Garrick failed to convert for a 20-0 lead at half-time.
The Sea Eagles started the second half where they lift off in the first when Garrick grabbed his third try after a great break by Chan Kum Tong to put Weekes into the clear. The exciting full-back then stumbled before regaining his feet to send the winger over. Garrick converted from next to the posts for a 26-0 lead after 46 minutes.
The Roosters' got on the board with 14 minutes remaining when Nat Butcher sliced through to score for a 26-4 scoreline.
Two minutes later, the Roosters got back to 26-10 when prop Lindsay Collins crashed over under the posts.
The Roosters scored their third try within five minutes when Tuipulotu Katoa crossed behind the posts in the 69th minute for a 26-16 scoreline.
Garrick then converted a penalty goal in the 75th minute to ensure the 12 point victory.
