FULL-TIME: Sea Eagles 24 – Sharks 4
We’ve seen it quite a few times this season – one team goes out to a commanding half-time lead and you end up with a second half where neither side really has their head in the game. That seemed to be the case today as Manly blew Cronulla off the park in the opening 40 minutes; the result seemed like a foregone conclusion from there and we ended up with a very scrappy second 40 for a final score of 24-4.
Nothing worked for Cronulla today; Carney tried hard to spark things but it just wasn’t happening for him or his side. For Manly, they’ll be pleased with that first-half performance, particularly with the attacking combination of Stewart, Matai and Taufua on the left-hand side who combined for three excellent four-pointers; they might have had more if not for Matai leaving the field early in the second half and a couple of dropped balls by Taufua.
The Manly Sea Eagles host the Cronulla Sharks at Brookvale Oval in this Sunday afternoon clash. Join us for live scores and commentary from 3:00pm (AEST).
After strong victories over fellow NRL heavyweights the Roosters and Rabbitohs, Manly went down to the Wests Tigers last week and will be looking to return to the winner’s circle.
Meanwhile, the Sharks shook off four losses on the trot to post their first victory of the season in emphatic style over the Warriors.
Whereas Manly are expected to be boosted by the likely return of Jorge Taufua this week – not to mention Brett Stewart with one game under his belt after injury – the Sharks may enter this contest without Todd Carney, who was outstanding with four try assists last week but has been battling a “mystery illness”.
There is a lot of history between these two clubs but Manly have certainly had the better of it with 57 wins from 82 games, including four out of their last five, including a 24-18 victory over the Sharks in last year’s elimination semi-finals.
No doubt the Sharks would be excited at the prospect of avenging that loss, but with so many names still missing from their squad – Paul Gallen and Luke Lewis remain out, in addition to the likely loss of Carney – it’s hard to see them getting the better of Manly at Brookvale.
Still, 2014 has been the year of the upset, and starting this game at $4 the Sharks are about as long a shot as you can get.
In the end though, I’m tipping the home side to get up comfortably.
Manly by 20.
Can Manly get the win at home or will the Sharks spring yet another 2014 upset?
Join us this afternoon at 3pm (AEST) for live score updates and debate on our live blog.
Mac
Guest
No I said "some of the calls against the Sharks and the so called forward passes" which applied to both teams. As for your final comment you clearly missed the point I was making since I support neither team...
NSWelshman
Guest
Firstly, you are the one who complained that the refereeing was not up to scratch & only mentioned the so called bad calls against the Sharks, however had you also mentioned the bad calls against the Sea Eagles then no one would have said anything! I agree the referees were below par once again, however it went both ways & YES I am a Manly supporter & YES I will always defend them against 'biased' opinions against them!
Adam
Roar Guru
Yeah mate I remember, midfield superstar! Ha ha cheers Benny, hope you're well mate.
Mac
Guest
First up I'm not a sharks fan. Sure Manly were the better team and would have won either way but to me that doesn't justify another well below par refereeing performance. Do people here really find objective viewing such a hard concept or are all opinions only biased and based on which team you support??
eagleJack
Guest
I don't think a losing team has ever lost "fair and square". Atleast not according to their fans!
Ben s
Guest
Hey scroggy... It's Ben I enjoyed your match commentary. I would as a died hard manly fan. It is such a small world, u may not remember me we had a year together at jamo giants. Take it easy.
NSWelshman
Guest
Ummmm.......how about the forward pass calls against Manly?? I think the calls were even & by the way the one against Manly when Lawrence would have scored was NOT forward. Grow up & give credit to the better team mate! The Sharks were outplayed fair & square!
Mac
Guest
Some of the calls against the Sharks and the so called forward passes were a disgrace in this game. Another shameful and suspect display by the refs...
Adam
Roar Guru
FULL-TIME: Sea Eagles 24 - Sharks 4 We've seen it quite a few times this season – one team goes out to a commanding half-time lead and you end up with a second half where neither side really has their head in the game. That seemed to be the case today as Manly blew Cronulla off the park in the opening 40 minutes; the result seemed like a foregone conclusion from there and we ended up with a very scrappy second 40 for a final score of 24-4. Nothing worked for Cronulla today; Carney tried hard to spark things but it just wasn't happening for him or his side. For Manly, they'll be pleased with that first-half performance, particularly with the attacking combination of Stewart, Matai and Taufua on the left-hand side who combined for three excellent four-pointers; they might have had more if not for Matai leaving the field early in the second half and a couple of dropped balls by Taufua.
Adam
Roar Guru
FULL-TIME: Sea Eagles 24 - Sharks 4
Adam
Roar Guru
LIVE SCORE: Sea Eagles 24 - Sharks 4 TRY SHARKS! Wade Graham scores the ultimate consolation. CONVERSION UNSUCCESSFUL from Gordon.
Adam
Roar Guru
LIVE SCORE: Sea Eagles 24 - Sharks 0 80' VIDEO REF. Wade Graham has claimed a try on the final play of the game – it came off a kick, checking onside and contest.
Adam
Roar Guru
LIVE SCORE: Sea Eagles 24 - Sharks 0 76' Nice run by Fifita breaking a couple of tackles and putting his side on the front foot. Last tackle play they go through the hands but the ball comes out to Gordon who loses the ball. Completions in this one are 63% for Manly, 51% for Cronulla.
Adam
Roar Guru
LIVE SCORE: Sea Eagles 24 - Sharks 0 74' Foran kicks for Horo who could have scored but he knocks the ball forward. Now Cronulla piggy backed out of their end with a strip penalty called.
Adam
Roar Guru
LIVE SCORE: Sea Eagles 24 - Sharks 0 72' Now a bad pass by Carney and Fifita loses the ball, was a tough one for the big man to take.
Adam
Roar Guru
LIVE SCORE: Sea Eagles 24 - Sharks 0 71' Poor kick by the Sharks is followed by another mistake by Manly now, there have been a few poor halves of footy so far in 2014 but this one would have to be right up there.
Adam
Roar Guru
LIVE SCORE: Sea Eagles 24 - Sharks 0 70' Lyon almost could have scored himself there but he passes the ball to Hiku who loses the ball.
Adam
Roar Guru
LIVE SCORE: Sea Eagles 24 - Sharks 0 69' Matai back on for Manly so he's okay after that head clash earlier. Nice play down the short-side for Manly, Lyon toes it through for Hiku but Gordon slides across and takes the ball into touch. Six again coming for Manly.
Adam
Roar Guru
LIVE SCORE: Sea Eagles 24 - Sharks 0 67' Some enterprising work by Cronulla but Leutele tries to be a little too cute with his final pass and it goes over the sideline. That was the best they've looked so far in this game but again it ends with an error.
Adam
Roar Guru
LIVE SCORE: Sea Eagles 24 - Sharks 0 65' B Stewart breaks through and looks for support, he finds Taufua who knocks it on AGAIN – in fairness it was a hard ball to take that time for the Manly winger.