NRL, ROUND 2, SEA EAGLES v SYDNEY ROOSTERS

Rugby League

4 PINES PARK,MANLY,AUSTRALIA MARCH 17th, 2024 MANLY

Manly’s Vegas Victory: Sea Eagles Triumph Over Rabbitohs in High-Scoring Clash

Manly and the Roosters have both returned from Vegas as winners.

These innovative matchups will lay the groundwork for yet another thrilling showdown between these longstanding adversaries.

The Sea Eagles secured a 36-24 victory over the South Sydney Rabbitohs in Las Vegas. In a game that saw three club debutants, Jaxson Paulo, Luke Brooks, and Nathan Brown, the team from the Northern Beaches went into the sheds with a slight lead before falling behind to a fast start from the Rabbitohs in the second half. Despite grappling with an ankle injury, Reuben Garrick delivered an outstanding performance, notching a try and converting all six attempts with precision.

While the statistics showed a closely contested battle between the two teams, Manly seized their chances effectively to clinch the win. Regrettably, the triumph was tempered by Jason Saab’s departure from the field due to a hamstring injury, which is expected to keep him out of action for several weeks. 

Although the Sea Eagles will be missing Jason Saab, Seibold had two potential replacements: Raymond Tuaimalo Vaega and Tommy Talau. Talau has had a solid pre-season, impressing the coaching staff and as a result has scored himself the wing spot in this game. Apart from this one change, the Manly side will run out with the same squad that played in Round 1.

Roosters’ Opening Win: Tedesco and Manu Shine as Roosters Defeat Broncos

On the Roosters’ front, they opened their 2024 campaign with a 20-10 victory over the Brisbane Broncos, also at Allegiant Stadium. James Tedesco and Joey Manu showcased their attacking prowess, with Manu delivering a spectacular intercept try and a mesmerising pass to set up Junior Pauga for a stunning try. Tedesco’s exceptional performance included over 190 meters, nine tackle busts, two offloads, one linebreak, one try assist, and flawless tackle efficiency.

The triumph in Las Vegas was overshadowed by Spencer Leniu’s extended suspension following allegations of making a racial slur directed at Ezra Mam during the match. As a result of Leniu’s suspension and players returning from injury, Robinson will be bringing Jared Waerea-Hargraves straight into the starting line-up. Dominic Young will make his club debut replacing Pauga on the wing, with the Round 1 try scorer being moved to the bench. 

Injury Concerns for Both Sides: Saab Out for Manly, Smith and Young Return for Roosters

The Roosters encountered their own injury setbacks in Vegas, as centre Billy Smith was forced to withdraw late from the Broncos clash due to a hamstring issue, while Englishman Dom Young was sidelined for the game owing to a neck injury.

Young returns to action this week, along with veteran prop Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, who is set to play his 299th career game after serving a suspension.

The Roosters have won three of their past four games at 4 Pines Park.

Sea Eagles fullback Tom Trbojevic has scored six tries in his past six games against the Roosters.

Roosters winger Daniel Tupou has scored 12 tries in his past 13 games against the Sea Eagles.

Manly forward Nathan Brown will make his 150th NRL appearance.

Team line-ups

Roosters

1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii 4. Joseph Manu 5. Dominic Young 6. Luke Keary 7. Sam Walker 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 9. Brandon Smith 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Siua Wong 12. Sitili Tupouniua 13. Victor Radley 14. Sandon Smith 15. Naufahu Whyte 16. Nat Butcher 17. Terrell May 18. Connor Watson 19. Fetalaiga Pauga 20. Egan Butcher 21. Zach Dockar-Clay 22. Angus Crichton The Sea Eagles have not started the season with back-to-back wins since 2013.T

Manly

1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Tommy Talau 3. Tolutau Koula 4. Reuben Garrick 5. Jaxson Paulo 6. Luke Brooks 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Taniela Paseka 9. Lachlan Croker 10. Josh Aloiai 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Ben Trbojevic 13. Jake Trbojevic 14. Karl Lawton 15. Corey Waddell 16. Ethan Bullemor 17. Nathan Brown 18. Jakob Arthur 19. Raymond Tuiamalo Vaega 20. Aaron Woods 21. Brad Parker 22. Jamie Humphreys

Referee: Todd Smith; Side line Officials: Jon Stone, Drew Oultram; Video Referee: Gerard Sutton

PREDICTION

I am going to go with the Roosters in what will be a tight game. Both sides are very capable of winning this. Try Dom Young any time try scorer.

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