Manly Warringah Sea Eagles will be out to rectify last week's defensive lapses when they take on the Parramatta Eels at 4 Pines Park on Saturday, April 26, in round eight of the Jersey Flegg Cup.
The Sea Eagles trailed 12-10 at half-time against the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks at Pointsbet Stadium following tries to half-back Leroy Murray and hooker Daniel O'Donnell.
Murray dived over for Manly's opening try off a great offload in traffic near the line by prop Kylan Mafoa.
Ten minutes later, O'Donnell darted over from dummy half on the back of a strong run by prop Devante Mihinui who fell just short of the line.
Unfortunately, the Sea Eagles defence let them down as the Sharks ran in five tries to two to take the win.
Match: Sea Eagles v Eels
Round 8 -
home Team
Sea Eagles
10th Position
away Team
Eels
13th Position
Venue: 4 Pines Park, Sydney
Manly Coach Scott Kenna said it was a disappointing performance against the Sharks.
"We put ourselves in positions to win at times but our detail and craft with the ball was off and we couldn't generate points,'' Kenna said.
"Our defensive efforts were also off and we need to go back to how we have been defending over the first six weeks.
"We have lost full-back Blake Metcalfe through injury for this week, meaning Oliver Lawry gets a chance now at the back with Max Hayley pushing to the centres.
"The return of Taylor Bunting and Caleb Navale (NSW Cup last week) will bring leadership and experience to the side."
The loss leaves Manly in eighth spot with three wins from five games. Parramatta have lost all six games this season to sit in 12th place.
See the Sea Eagles team here to play the Eels.
