SEA EAGLES 21 ROOSTERS 14

KEY POINTS

MANLY, IS IT TIME TO BELIEVE? The Sea Eagles produced some of the best 80-minute performances of 2023 before managing to miss the finals, so scepticism is warranted. But the defensive bash-up dished out at times to the likes of Lindsay Collins, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves and Joey Manu was just as impressive as the carve up with ball-in-hand. And on that, Haumole Olakau’atu looked, once again, like the type of back-rower you simply have to have in a sky blue jersey. Again, like Manly throughout last season, the big man’s form yo-yoed alarmingly at times. But with Daly Cherry-Evans marshalling him superbly, Taniela Paseka aiming up and Tom Trbojevic an ever-present threat in a backline brimming with pace and talent, there’s something in this Manly mob. And they might just be ready to piece it all together.

LUKE WHO’S TALKING: Luke Brooks is a new man in maroon and white. The change of scenery for the former Wests Tigers punching bag has the 29-year-old sending teammates through holes, putting hits on and playing both sides of the field in an already very promising combination with Cherry-Evans. But for one toe sliding into touch, he’d have finished the day with a well-earned try, but he’s only going to get better the longer he and Cherry-Evans play together . Manly’s $3 million investment already looks a sound one.

CHOOKS CAN STILL COOK THEMSELVES: The Roosters have never been too fazed by error or penalty counts under Trent Robinson. Nine first-half errors made for a 60 per cent share of possession against them though, especially when Manly moved into the neighbourhood on their try line leading into the break. Compounded by a 19-13 penalty count against them – with a couple of very soft offside and blocker efforts on kicks, the Roosters were perpetually stuck in the mud. Even with Manly firing, a large portion was of the Tricolours’ own making. To their credit, most other teams would have submitted to an absolute demolition having to make an extra 99 tackles.