Manly Warringah Sea Eagles were gallant in defeat in losing 14-10 to the Parramatta Eels in round two of the NSWRL Harold Matthews competition today.
In warm conditions at New Era Stadium, Cabramatta, the Eels opened the scoring with a try down Manly’s right edge for a 4-0 lead to winger Alfred Curuenavuli after 13 minutes.
The Sea Eagles responded when second-rower Siosiua Fotu offloaded a low pass under pressure to send five-eighth Kaeo Weekes into open space to score in the 20th minute. Half-back Teddy Wilson failed to convert the try for a 4-all scoreline.
Parramatta took an 8-4 lead into half-time when centre Viliami Penisini crossed for an unconverted try in the 36th minute.
Second Half
The Eels took a 14-4 lead when five-eighth Samuel Loizou converted Curuenavuli’s second try from the sideline with 19 minutes remaining.
Manly hit back eight minutes later when Weekes stepped back inside to finish off some fine play to score his second try. Wilson converted for a 14-10 scoreline.
The Sea Eagles were denied a try with 30 seconds remaining on a forward pass call that would have levelled the scores.
Barnstorming Manly prop Tyreece Matangi suffered a knee injury in the game and missed the second half.
Rd 3
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs vs Manly
Belmore Sports Ground,
Saturday, February 24, 11.30am
