Manly may have some work to do before they face traditional rivals, Parramatta, in just under a fortnight’s time.
It was a less than convincing performance as the Sea Eagles were beaten 36-6 against the Roosters in Gosford on Saturday night.
However, in their final hit out before the new season, Manly could be forgiven for their performance, with a host of regular first graders taken from the field midway through the match to be rested for round one.
Despite recording the first points of the match courtesy of a Peta Hiku try, the Sea Eagles failed to fire in a match heavily dominated by the Roosters.
Manly back-rower Tom Symonds hyper-extended his elbow and will have scans on Monday.
Holden Cup | Roosters chase down Sea Eagles
The Sea Eagles gave up a 16-point lead late in the match, as they were defeated 24-20 against the Roosters in their final hit out before the start of the new season.
Having exploded out of the blokes courtesy of tries to Addison Demetriou, Luke Garner and Tom Trbojevic, the Sea Eagles failed to maintain the pressure as the Roosters claimed a gritty four-point win.
Leading 12-0 at half time, Manly’s wall was finally breached when former Sea Eagle Charlie Taylor crossed for the Roosters’ first four pointer of the match,
It was the Sea Eagles who scored the following two tries as Mitch Britton and Riley Travers took the lead out beyond two converted tries.
At 20-6 the Roosters found another gear, scoring three unanswered tries in the final quarter to ultimately snatch the lead with four minutes remaining.
NSW Cup | Manly tested in gritty victory
The Wyong Roos provided the Sea Eagles NSW Cup side with a stern challenge ahead of their season opener in two weeks time.
Despite being in control for most of the game, Manly were tested as they claimed a gritty 20-12 victory over the Roosters’ feta club in Gosford.
Off-season recruit Brayden Wiliame bagged a first half double as the Sea Eagles went into the break with an 8-point advantage.
Their lead was soon extended courtesy of front rower Ligi Sao, who crashed over from close range.
Leading 14-0 midway through the first half, the Sea Eagles were caught out in defence as Leivaha Pulu scored Wyong’s first try.
Soon after the Roos crossed for their second to reduce the margin to just two points with 20 minutes remaining.
Both sides went set for set until the Sea Eagles managed to score in the final minute of play to secure a 20-12 victory.
