Manly Warringah Sea Eagles suffered a 40-12 loss to Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs at Brookvale Oval tonight in the opening round of the Holden Cup competition.
The Sea Eagles let in seven tries and managed to score only two in a disappointing start to the season for new Coach Chad Randall.
The Bulldogs opened the scoring with a try to second-rower Peter Tiatia off a grubber kick in the eighth minute. The try was converted by half-back Zac Greene for a 6-0.
Three minutes later, the Sea Eagles got on the board with a try to prop Eddie Paealiki. The try was converted by half-back Hutana Coffin for a 6-all scoreline.
The visitors went to a 10-6 lead after a short pass saw Lopeti Mafi crash over next to the posts. Greene converted for a 16-6 lead after 26 minutes.
A minute later, the Bulldogs were in again with a try to second-rower D’Rhys Miller for a 20-6 lead. Greene converted for a 22-6 scoreline. The score remained that way until half-time.
2nd Half
Six minutes after half-time, the Bulldogs extended their lead to 26-6 with a try to winger Reimis Smith. Greene converted from the sideline for a 28-6 lead.
The Sea Eagles got back to 28-10 when Jon Bernard Kairouz crashed over next to the posts. Coffin converted for a 28-12 scoreline.
An error from Sea Eagles winger Harry O’Toole off a bomb saw Luis Strickland score. Greene n converted for a 34-12 lead.
The Bulldogs secured victory when five-eighth Jade Anderson scored under the posts. Greene converted for the 40-12 scoreline.
