Gallant Sea Eagles fall short to Roosters in Flegg

Ryan James takes on the Roosters at Wentworth Park

Author: Wayne Cousins
Timestamp: Mon 7 Aug 2023, 11:14 AM

A gallant Manly Warringah Sea Eagles pushed competition leaders the Sydney Roosters a long way in their Jersey Flegg Cup clash on Sunday.

The Sea Eagles went down 16-8 in a tight contest on a heavy track at Wentworth Park after only trailing 10-4 at half-time.

Full-back Blake Metcalfe takes on the Roosters defence at Wentworth Park ©Bryden Sharp Photography

The Roosters got off to a strong start to lead 10-0 before the Sea Eagles opened their account after winger Viliami Kuli showed his strength to get the ball down in the corner in a three man tackle to make it 10-4 after 28 minutes.

Manly got back to within two points nine minutes after half-time when winger Tom Jarrett dived over in the corner from a lovely cut out pass from half-back Tylor Bunting.

Try time....Tom Jarrett finds the line for the Sea Eagles at Wentworth Park ©Bryden Sharp Photography

The Roosters secured victory with a converted try to Tayson Fakaos in the 63rd minute.

Manly has now lost three of their past four games with the 10th placed Sea Eagles out of finals contention in 10th place.

With three rounds remaining, the Sea Eagles have a tough run home against the third-placed Penrith, the Dragons (seventh) and the Bulldogs (second) as they look to finish the season strongly and stay clear of the bottom of the ladder.