An aggressive and enthusiastic start laid the platform for a superb beginning to the season for a talented Manly Warringah Sea Eagles side in the Lisa Fiaola Cup.
The Sea Eagles dominated from the outset in a 46-4 thumping of the St George-Illawarra Dragons at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium last Saturday after leading 26-0 at half-time.
Hooker Olivia Saley scored two of Manly's nine tries in the U17s women's match.
"From the kick-off, the girls were ready to go, They showed their urgency. They were ready to rock and roll. They were happy,'' Markham said.
“That’s the best thing about a footy team. If they are happy, they are going to win.
“We just executed everything in the first half. We didn’t hold back. We went in 100 miles an hour. We knew we had to win and they executed well. I was really proud of them."
In a fine team performance, Markham reserved special praise for half-back Kelsey Berryman, who had a hand in several tries and kicked five goals in windy conditions.
“Kelsey was unbelievable. Being a half-back, I told her I wanted her to take control,'' Markham said.
"She is younger than all of the girls. I told her she needed to be the general out there and she did that.
“Her passing was excellent and it was about making sure everything was crisp and smooth. It was a great way to start our season.”
The Sea Eagles now take on South Sydney Rabbitohs at Mascot Oval on Sunday, February 17, at 3pm. Souths have lost both of their matches by narrow margins.
See the Manly side here to play South Sydney.
