Manly Sea Eagles vs New Zealand Warriors: Sea Eagles stun NZ 46-12

Match result:

The Manly Sea Eagles have beaten the New Zealand Warriors in Christchurch to the sweet, sweet tune of 46-12.

It was a scoreless second half for the Warriors after going to the break down 24-12. The second half, after an early push from the Warriors became a procession as the Sea Eagles ran riot and the Warriors defence failed to improve from the poor effort that was the first half.

I’m not sure what to say about the Warriors today, frankly, they stank.

Manly on the other hand, were terrific from the start, despite a few errors that Des Hasler will focus on during the week in the search for further improvement.

Manly are on the board for 2019, and the Warriors look nothing like the side that towelled up the Bulldogs in Round 1.

Where to for Stephen Kearney after that loss? I’m not sure.

Final score
Manly Sea Eagles 46
New Zealand Warriors 12

Match preview:

The Manly Sea Eagles and the New Zealand Warriors meet at AMI Stadium in Christchurch in an emotional match for both sides. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 3pm (AEDT).

After a thumping win in Round 1 against the Bulldogs, the Warriors came crashing back to earth at the hands of the Tigers in Campbelltown last week.

The Eagles’ season has not started well under the returning Des Hasler, with two losses; one at the hands of the Tigers in the opening week and the Roosters in Round 2.

Tom Trbojevic returns for the ‘home’ side, injected into a young and inexperienced backline.

The forward pack of the Eagles is anything but, with veterans Joel Thompson and Martin Taupau helping to develop the young tyros.

Daly Cherry-Evans and Kane Elgey are yet to gel as a duo but if they do, could become one of the most dynamic combinations in the competition.

The Warriors were up to their normal tricks last weekend, producing another poor display after a stunning one a week earlier.

The forward momentum against the Tigers was not up to scratch and Adam Keighran struggled to find the space he did against the Bulldogs.

Blake Green was in the same boat and the Warriors back line never found top gear against a committed Tigers outfit.

Agnatius Paasi and Bunty Afoa will need to lead the pack against the Eagles and the Warriors do have the weapons up front to worry them.

With Adam Blair in career best form and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck a constant threat from broken play, the Warriors look a team with top eight potential.

Dealing with this Manly side would be something expected of a team with such a title.

Prediction
With the moving backdrop of Christchurch playing a role, the Warriors should be able to lift for their nation and get back to winning ways against the Eagles.

I struggle to see how the Manly pack can compete with the power and speed of the Warriors big men and their victory will come off the back of the platform that is laid early on in the match.

Catch all the action on The Roar live coverage from 3pm (AEDT).

Where: AMI Stadium, Christchurch
When: Saturday 24th March 2019, 3pm (AEDT)
TV: Fox League, NRL app, Kayo Sports
Betting: Manly Sea Eagles $2.28 New Zealand Warriors $1.62

Sea Eagles
1 Tom Trbojevic 2 Jorge Taufua 3 Moses Suli 4 Brad Parker 5 Reuben Garrick 6 Kane Elgey 7 Daly Cherry-Evans 8 Addin Fonua-Blake 9 Apisai Koroisau 10 Martin Taupau 11 Joel Thompson 12 Curtis Sironen 13 Jake Trbojevic Interchange: 14 Manase Fainu 15 Jack Gosiewski 16 Corey Waddell 17 Toafofoa Sipley

Reserves: 18 Brendan Elliot 19 Trent Hodkinson 21 Kelepi Tanginoa 22 Lloyd Perrett

Warriors
1 Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (c) 2 David Fusitu’a 3 Peta Hiku 4 Solomone Kata 5 Ken Maumalo 6 Adam Keighran 7 Blake Green 8 Agnatius Paasi 9 Issac Luke 10 Bunty Afoa 11 Adam Blair 12 Tohu Harris 13 Lachlan Burr. Interchange: 14 Jazz Tevaga 15 Sam Lisone 16 Leeson Ah Mau 17 Isaiah Papali’i.

Reserves: 18 Gerard Beale 20 Ligi Sao 21 Karl Lawton 22 Chanel Harris-Tavita