It was far from perfect but the Sea Eagles almost snatched the two competition points.
Manly suffered a 16-14 loss to South Sydney at 4 Pines Park last Saturday in the opening round of the NSWRL Jersey Flegg Cup.
Both sides scored three tries apiece with Max Hayley, Teapo Stoltman and Carsen Patu crossing for the Sea Eagles after Manly trailed 10-4 at half-time.
Sea Eagles Coach Scott Kenna said the team was looking to improve on their low completion rate and ball possession against the Sydney Roosters at 4 Pines Park on Sunday. Kick-off is 12pm.
"I thought we let ourselves down last week in this area and have identified this at training,'' Kenna said.
"I was very disappointed with the round one result and to play the way we did and almost get away with the win is the positive part we take from the match."
Kenna praised Fijian international lock Caleb Navale and full-back Blake Metcalfe for their performances.
"Caleb was great through the middle and played the entire game,'' Kenna said.
"He got us on the front foot with his carries at times.
"Blake carried the ball strongly from the back and created a few opportunities with some good ball."
Kenna said the team was embracing the opportunity to play as the first game of a triple header at 4 Pines Park.
"Sunday will be a great occasion for our young group of players. It will give them a small taste of what could potentially be their future if they keep working hard,'' Kenna added.
"For me personally, it will be a nice occasion to back back home again as a Manly Coach."
Kenna was an Assistant Coach at Manly to Wayne Lambkin (NSW Cup Coach) when the Sea Eagles won the Holden Cup premiership in 2017.
