Warriors tried hard minus their stars Shaun Johnson and Feleti Mateo but Manly were too strong, too classy and too clinical when it mattered.
They are such a tough team and its going to take a special effort from anyone to stop the Sea Eagles from finishing as premiers.
They are not invincible by any means but at this stage of the year they are just so hard to defeat. Minor premiership is certainly theirs. Cherry-Evans superb today defensively and in attack. What a player.
FULLTIME
Sea Eagles 22
Warriors 12
The New Zealand Warriors need to regroup following a tough defeat to Brisbane last week and will need to be at their best to defeat premiership contenders the Manly Sea Eagles. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 2:00pm AEST.
After racing to a 12 nil lead against the Broncos, it appeared that the Warriors were well on course for a fourth straight victory that would have seen them within reach of the top four.
New Zealand however once again took their foot off the pedal and allowed Brisbane to secure a 28-22 win that robs the Warriors of some much needed momentum.
The Warriors are now back at home and face a Sea Eagles outfit well on course for another minor premiership.
Clashes between these two teams usually end up being very entertaining affairs and today’s contest should be no different.
Although New Zealand have been impressive at home in recent weeks, the Sea Eagles present a far more dangerous test for the Warriors.
It is vital that the Warriors respect possession this afternoon and maintain strong concentration for the full 80 minutes against Manly. The Sea Eagles are one of the most clinical attacking units in the NRL and will punish New Zealand if they are gifted possession.
Daly Cherry-Evans is the player that usually makes the Sea Eagles attack tick along. If he fires, then the Warriors could be in for a long afternoon at home. The result of today’s game could largely rest on how well Cherry-Evans is contained by the Warriors.
The other key factor in today’s game is Shaun Johnson. Johnson didn’t have the greatest of games against Brisbane and needs to stand up against quality opposition today.
On his day, Johnson is lethal to say the least but his ball playing intelligence will be tested by a resolute Manly defence.
Overall, the Warriors certainly possess enough flair in attack to secure the win today. Anything less than a complete performance though will see Manly win.
Warriors by 6.
Ronnie
Guest
Thought that Tomkins played Ok for the Warriors. Had heard some bad reports about him but he seemed to go OK if not outstanding. Congrats to Manly on their Win.
The spectator
Guest
2014, the same as 2013 and god knows how many more years for players in the NRL that the stats are wrong! rd 19 B Stewart and J Thurston leading try assists on 18 when it should have read after rd 18 BStewart on 19 J Thurston 18, so rd 19 had them both on 18! After rd 20 it states J T 2 try assist leading on 20, B Stewart 1 try assist on 18!!! UM ! + 18 = 19 !!!! Who is watching the stas guy??
The spectator
Guest
haha!
Buzzard
Guest
Ever since they talked the Warriors up as darkhorses, premiership threats etc.....They have turned to mud! Back to their old ways, drop ball, no kicking game and giving away silly penalties. They will be struggling to make the 8. Actually I don't think they will make the 8! Disappointed!!! But I HATE it when the Warriors get talked up!
Muzz
Guest
The entire system needs an overhaul and if i was in charge we would see the odd castration.
The spectator
Guest
I know, Mata-ai! What's with ref's not see'ing or knowing just guessing sending it upstairs as a try? Ifthey ccan't see a try it should be sent up as no try, I see every week a Ref with no view of a try sending it as a try, it's ridiculous!!! As a ref if you can't see a grounding and unsure should be sent upstairs as no try for vid ref to see what infield couldn't. VATUVAI as. An example, he guess'd!!
Ted
Guest
Every club has their issues and the media have clearly highlighted the 'so called issues at Manly ! Whatever the case maybe there is a difference between US and Them and that is the winning culture at the club. Players will come and go but Manly 's culture of backing up your mates , digging deep for each other , and the pride in the jersey is firmly cemented in their DNA and you can't by that! Keep putting us down, we love it! Go Manly and all hail the King Toovey!! -- Comment from The Roar's iPhone app.
james t
Guest
Top game hard fought both teams deserved a win. It's lonely at the top!
Muzz
Guest
I love the way he pronounces Matai. Now i'm listening to the muppets on 9.
Cadfael
Roar Guru
I would also say they play then referees well in slowing down the play the ball. All teams do it but that doesn't mean it is right. The referees have the power to stop this but they don't. One of the reasons I don't watch as much league as I used to,. NRL at least.
Scrubbit
Guest
He's so exciting and (genuinely) funny to listen to.
jamesb
Guest
I said this before and I'll say it again, Manly are a tough mongrel club. Whether there's trouble at boardroom or among the players, they just somehow continue to win on the field. They are 4 points clear now at the top.
Gazzatron
Guest
I'd love to know how Cummins could instantly make the forward pass call when he was in front of it. No different to about 20 other passes that were let go during the game
Muzz
Guest
Entertaining game and great call by Vossy!
Gazzatron
Guest
Manly managed to slow down the ruck so their defence had time to realign and that was the biggest difference I think.
Gazzatron
Guest
I have huge wraps on McFadden but picking Neilson is just ridiculous. Laumape needs to go back to centre and Fusitua back on the wing. Hiku scored 2 tries cos Manu didn't trust Neilson in defence but I wouldn't either
mick
Guest
Excellent showing from manly today When will geoff toovey get the credit he deserves. Never hear him mentioned in the supposed "great" coaches list. like he was on the field, he is a coaching weapon.
Schuey
Guest
Warriors dropped too much ball in the first half but had some good go forward when they held it especially in the second half. They would have beaten most teams today I reckon. Not Manly though.
Gazzatron
Guest
Warriors dropped too much ball and manly slowed down the ruck too much for them to get any go forward. Well done manly.
Schuey
Guest
Tom Symonds been good for the Eagles. Distributing from the base of the scrum and first receiver, runs like a centre, works like a back rower. He's been injured most of the year, hitting good form now.