The Sydney Roosters will look to keep their undefeated start to the season going when they host one of the competition’s surprise packets, the Manly Sea Eagles. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 6pm (AEDT).
Even with a couple of close calls against the Canterbury Bulldogs and Penrith Panthers in Rounds 2 and 3, Trent Robinson’s men have been the form team, sitting alongside the Melbourne Storm at the top of the ladder, and look well on their way to the finals after a lean 2016.
Most impressive has been the combination of Luke Keary and Mitchell Pearce directing the side around the park, while the forwards have crushed anyone standing in their path.
It’s meant the Roosters have picked up some big victories and held their nerve to win under pressure. A clash against the surprisingly red-hot Sea Eagles will need to bring out the Roosters’ best though.
Manly might have started with a pair of losses, but they were a different team taking big victories over North Queensland and holding Canterbury scoreless.
The win against the Cowboys might have been against an understrength opponent, but the Sea Eagles were missing plenty of players themselves and to win in Townsville is always a daunting task.
After putting up 30 points against North Queensland, Trent Barrett’s men hit their best in Round 4, beating the Bulldogs 36-0. While Canterbury didn’t throw much, Blake Green and Daly Cherry-Evans led Manly in a complete team effort.
Whoever can spend more time on the attack will win, and that’s going to come down to a strong long-range kicking game, as well as effort and intensity in the chase.
Keary has a huge role to play with the close-range game as well, given Manly’s goal line defence this season.
In 128 meetings between the clubs, Manly hold an impressive 82 victories.
Prediction
It’s difficult to tip against the Roosters, but I’m going to anyway. Their win streak has to end somewhere and Manly’s form and record might be just enough.
Sea Eagles by 4.
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The spectator
Guest
Um, EJ, did you unplug anything ? The radar has gone down !
The spectator
Guest
I watching that again !
Renegade
Roar Guru
Enjoy the night EJ!
The spectator
Guest
Oh yeah, what about that one !
Scott Pryde
Expert
I knew nothing Fish - wild stab this one... Just thought the Roosters were due for a loss. As you would be EJ - some really good defensive effort this evening. Wouldn't have won if they weren't strong at that end of the park. Roosters had a bit of an off game, but I wouldn't say they were at their best last week either. Little bit to work on for them. And yes... We will get over the Tigers first, but that's set up to be a good game. Trips to Brookie are always pretty tough.
Scott Pryde
Expert
A full match report will follow in a separate article shortly. Thanks for joining me on The Roar this evening for our live coverage of the 2017 NRL Season as the Sea Eagles beat the Sydney Roosters by 6, ending their undefeated start to the season. Hopefully you enjoyed the coverage. I'll be back Sunday afternoon from 2pm (AEDT) for our live coverage of the New Zealand Warriors versus Gold Coast Titans. Right now though, flick it over to join Brent Ford for our coverage of the North Queensland Cowboys and South Sydney Rabbitohs. Bye for now.
eagleJack
Roar Guru
Very happy fan here SP. Loved seeing the team roll up their sleeves when it got tough. They can score tries. But they can add grit to that now. They look like a pretty tight knit group. Roosters were good also. I love Cordner. And Keary was next level. Created something every time he touched the ball. Dragons next :)
Fish
Guest
We must of known something Scott. Go the mighty Sea Eagles
Scott Pryde
Expert
Match Statistics Tries: Roosters (2), Sea Eagles (3) Conversions: Roosters (2/2), Sea Eagles (2/3) Penalty goals: Roosters (0/1), Sea Eagles (1/1) Field goals: Roosters (0/2), Sea Eagles (0/1) Possession: Roosters (50%), Sea Eagles (50%) Completions: Roosters (28/38), Sea Eagles (30/37) All runs: Roosters (170), Sea Eagles (172) All run metres: Roosters (1668), Sea Eagles (1769) Line breaks: Roosters (3), Sea Eagles (7) Offloads: Roosters (10), Sea Eagles (11) Tackles: Roosters (353), Sea Eagles (307) Missed tackles: Roosters (33), Sea Eagles (47) Penalties: Roosters (6), Sea Eagles (4) Errors: Roosters (13), Sea Eagles (10)
jacksyd
Guest
Outplayed and outcoached. Bit different playing against a full strength team and no ref bias.
jacksyd
Guest
You mean only for the roosters and no one else?
Joe
Roar Rookie
Amazing win by Manly. What a great quality game from both sides. Manly look to be the real deal this year. Great camaraderie amongst the players.
jacksyd
Guest
Where's the ref when you need him? Hang on, that was against Penrith.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Thoughts on the game Roarers? On a personal note, I'm thoroughly disappointed Dylan Walker ruined my prediction by converting that last try.
Scott Pryde
Expert
I think it's 90 seconds then they stop the clock. Could be wrong, but that's the time written and consistent right throughout the game.
Scott Pryde
Expert
FULLTIME Short kick-off, it's batted back and the Roosters have it 70 metres from home as they spread left to Cordner who chips it over the top, finds Uate and he runs over the sideline. That'll do us at Allianz with the Sea Eagles taking victory and snapping the unbeaten start to the season for the Roosters. Sydney Roosters 12 Manly Sea Eagles 18
Cadfael
Roar Guru
Referees should blow time out from when the try is scored. Nearly two minutes lost
Scott Pryde
Expert
CONVERSION SUCCESSFUL by DYLAN WALKER 10 seconds on the clock. Roosters 12 Sea Eagles 18
Scott Pryde
Expert
79' - TRY SEA EAGLES, DYLAN WALKER Taufua up to halfway before Kelly takes on the line and Manly are in! Manly are going to win this! What an incredible ball at the line from Kelly to Walker who puts the foot down and runs away from everywhere to score in the corner! He burnt everyone, has a souble and Manly are up by 4 with 80 seconds to play! Incredible. INCREDIBLE. Roosters 12 Sea Eagles 16
eagleJack
Roar Guru
Thoroughly deserved win! Quality team effort