Remind me what problems there were in Brookvale again?
After screaming out to a 20-0 lead by halftime, the Sea Eagles got a second-half scare to hold on for a 28-16 win against the Roosters in Week 2 of the Pre-Season Challenge on Friday night, making us all forget about the dramas from 2022
Here’s what we learned:
The Wests Tigers have a bad habit of losing a lot of talent – Mitch Moses, James Tedesco and Josh Addo-Carr to name a few. Many thought Luke Garner signing with the Panthers was the biggest loss for the Tigers heading into this season – and on Friday night Kelma Tuilagi told everyone to hold his beer.
The Sea Eagles backrower looked right at home in his new colours, and was one of the best on the field for his new club.
Finishing the game with a try assist, one of his own, he could turn out to be one of the buys of the year.
Like Kalyn Ponga in the first game of the night, we also watched Josh Schuster run around in the number six jersey for the first time. After the departure of Keiran Foran to the Titans, the question of who would partner Daly Cherry-Evans began, with Schuster getting the nod to have first crack.
Unlike Ponga, Schuster was great. And seeing that he was not alongside DCE but instead Cooper Johns, he will only get better when with his long-term partner.
But Fox Commentator Gorden Tallis would still prefer to see him in the back row, where “he can still get the short pass away, without having to worry about the kicks.”
Reuben Garrick had a blinder. Seemed to be everywhere, scored a hat trick, and showed why Manly were so desperate to keep him last year.
Heading into his fifth season, he will be a major part of the Sea Eagles success if he plays exactly like that all season.
No, seriously.
From the Pride jersey saga, and a club that was apparently about to implode with players at each other, to what we have seen in the past two weeks are complete opposite ends of the spectrum.
They looked slick on Friday night, a really well-oiled machine. A far cry from what we saw at the end of last season.
Not only are the Sea Eagles playing great footy, but they look like they are enjoying it again. The disaster that was season 2022 looks to be well and truly in the rearview mirror.
Like, really pray.
The Roosters were without their dynamic halves duo of Luke Keary and Sam Walker, and with how Drew Hutchison and Sandon Smith filled in for the missing pair – coach Trent Robinson will have his starting six and seven wrapped up in cotton wool this season.
The tricolours really missed the attacking prowess of their regulars, and unfortunately, Hutchison and Smith didn’t do anything to make Robbo feel ok if any injuries pop up during the season.
Roosters young gun Joseph Suaalii had a crack at centre, but unfortunately, we didn’t really get to see him fly. He copped a head knock trying making a tackle in the first half and then failed his HIA.
He will now be under the watchful eye of trainers and need to pass all of the required protocols before getting the green light to play in the Roosters season opener against the Dolphins.
Ok, you were down 26-0 at one stage, and your captain James Tedesco called the first half “embarrassing.”
But don’t get out the brown paper bags to control your breathing just yet. You clawed your way back and had an explosive five minutes showing exactly what you guys can do, and you were missing a tonne of talent including Keary and Walker.
It’s ok. You still lost to Manly, but it’s ok.
Danielle Smith
Editor
Fantastic news :happy:
Big Daddy
Roar Rookie
Actually sitting in the departure lounge at RNS. Had a stent put in yesterday and going home today .It's Marvellous the technology of today's medicine. Still have to take it easy . Thank you very much for your kind wishes .
Danielle Smith
Editor
So sorry to hear BD. Hope everything went well yesterday and you are on the mend. My husband had a heart attack and triple bypass in November at 43. He is doing better now. Make sure you rest and take care of yourself.
Tim Buck 3
Roar Rookie
If someone scored four tries, would it be a double hat trick? If someone scored five tries, would it be a triple hat trick? It is common for many commentators, on TV and the Roar, to use it but it is a cricket phenomenon that doesn’t occur in Rugby League, so I wonder why it is used.
ManlyMagic
Roar Rookie
Been impressed with Cooper Johns so far. He’s definitely a good pick up, maybe Chez’s longer term replacement. Not getting carried away as it’s preseason but he leads the team around well that’s all…
Muzz
Guest
All the best BD.
Big Daddy
Roar Rookie
Thanks to you guys for your best wishes . Appreciate it .
Tom G
Roar Rookie
Al the best mate
Tom G
Roar Rookie
I guess it beats pretending you don’t care
Tony
Roar Guru
Okay mate. I hope it goes well. Please let us know how you get on.
CowLee Pollard
Guest
If manly fans have learned anything over the last ten seasons , it's not to get carried away with a win at any stage of the year :laughing:
Red Rob
Roar Rookie
Hope you're well soon, BD.
eagleJack
Roar Guru
Terrible news BD. Rest up, sending best wishes for the op, and look forward to seeing you back on here soon.
Big Daddy
Roar Rookie
Look like having a stent put in Monday. Thanks for your concern.
Tony
Roar Guru
Geez BD. That's a shock. I hope you're okay and on the mend soon. :thumbup:
Big Daddy
Roar Rookie
Tony, it was a bad night I decided to have a heart attack, in RNS so might be out of the loop for a while . Keep up the good work .
eagleJack
Roar Guru
I haven’t seen a single Manly fan get carried away by the win. Tedesco called the performance embarrassing. Take up your rage with him.
JennyFromPenny
Guest
The question will get answered once the season starts, as to whether Manly looked so good here in spite of Cherry Evans missing, or because of Cherry Evans missing. Johns didn't demand his fingerprints on every attacking play as DCE does, and it seemed to show.
eagleJack
Roar Guru
I think when Saab returns he takes the place of Garrick, who moves into the centres. Parker to Blacktown. If Saab continues to struggle getting yards out of danger, then Garrick back to the wing. Tuipulotu is safe.
souvalis
Roar Rookie
On tough carries, would you put Saab straight back in for Tuipolotu when he recovers.. dun..no.