Manly have made another early-season statement in the NRL, with a Daly Cherry-Evans field goal helping them outlast the Sydney Roosters 21-14.
In a tense and entertaining affair at Brookvale, Manly dominated both ball and territory but were forced to wait until late to seal victory on Sunday afternoon.
Adding to the Roosters’ woes, Luke Keary left the field late with a head knock after colliding with Tom Trbojevic’s knee while chasing through on a ball.
Keary, who has a bad history with concussions, will need to pass a concussion test if he is to play against South Sydney next week.
His head knock summed up a frustrating afternoon for the Tri-Colours, who coughed the ball up at all the wrong times.
Manly also had errors in their game, but again proved they have the attacking strikepower to threaten this season when all of their weapons are fit and healthy.
Just as he did in his team’s opening win over South Sydney in Las Vegas, Tom Trbojevic went tryless but looked dangerous with almost every touch at fullback.
Haumole Olakau’atu was destructive on the right, busting six tackles for the match and was at one stage denied close to the line three times in one set.
Nowhere is Manly’s up-tempo play better exemplified than in Luke Brooks, who is playing with far more freedom in 2024 after moving on from Wests Tigers.
The five-eighth put up the bomb for Manly’s first try, allowing Lachlan Croker to score when James Tedesco spilled the kick under heavy pressure from Trbojevic.
Tolutau Koula was particularly damaging at left centre for the hosts, making an 80-metre break in the opening minutes and scoring a first-half try following a Keary error.
While the Roosters stayed in the game at 12-10 down at halftime, it was Brooks who was again influential after the break.
After the Sea Eagles ran it on the last, the Manly No.6 was able to catch-and-pass quickly and help put Tommy Talau over on the left wing.
Dom Young then threatened to get the Roosters back in the game with a piece of individual brilliance.
But from there the Roosters’ errors proved costly, and Cherry-Evans’ field goal saw the Sea Eagles home.
The main injury concern for Manly was a dislocated ankle for Talau, while Olakau’atu brushed aside late fears over his calf.
Source Agencies
