A slow start proved costly for a gutsy Manly Warringah Sea Eagles in their 34-30 loss to the Sydney Roosters at Allianz Stadium tonight in round 21 of the Telstra Premiership.
On a night when both clubs proudly promoted the important message of building up mental fitness as part of the third annual Gotcha4Life Cup, the Roosters got off to a flying start to lead 22-0 in as many minutes in front of a crowd of over 25,000.
The Sea Eagles cause was not helped with the loss of centre Reuben Garrick and winger Jason Saab late in the first half, with both failing their HIAs.
Manly's Premier Partner Shaw and Partners Financial Services again donated $100,000 to the Gotcha4Life Foundation.
A right-handed flick pass from Roosters captain James Tedesco under pressure saw centre Joseph-Aukuso Sua'ali'I cross for the opening try for a 6-0 lead after six minutes.
Tedesco then had a clear run to score under the posts for a 12-0 lead four minutes later after half-back Sam Walker pushed off three defenders to make a break downfield.
A shift through the backline to the left saw Roosters winger Daniel Tupou fend off Daly Cherry-Evans for five-eighth Luke Keary to fall over the line for an 18-0 lead after 17 minutes.
A touch of luck for the Roosters saw winger Dominic Young go over after a pass from Sua'ali'I saw the ball hit Young's foot only for Manly full-back Tom Trbojevic to touch it for Young to score for a 22-0 lead after 22 minutes.
The Sea Eagles got on the board when five-eighth Luke Brooks took the line on to score next to the posts. Reuben Garrick converted to make it 22-6 after 22 minutes.
Manly reduced the margin to 28-12 after 38 minutes after prop Toff Sipley crashed over from dummy half.
The Sea Eagles lost Garrick and winger Jason Saab to HIAs for the rest of the game with reserve Clayton Faulalo on at the start of the second half.
A Tedesco pass was intercepted by Tommy Talau who raced 90 metres to score to make it 28-18 after 48 minutes.
The Sea Eagles threw plenty at the Roosters to reduce the margin but the home side stood firm under pressure before extending their lead to 34-18 after 68 minutes through a try to Michael Jennings.
Manly were not done with and got back within four points with three minutes to go after back to back tries to Faulalo and Cherry-Evans made it 34-30. It was Faulalo's first try in the NRL.
The Sea Eagles now sit in seventh spot subject to results on Sunday before having a bye next weekend.
