Match Preview: Jersey Flegg Round 4 vs Roosters

The Sea Eagles take on the Sydney Roosters at the Sydney Academy of Sport and Recreation at Narrabeen on Sunday, March 29, with the winner breaking through for their first victory.

Crotty feels that first win is there for the taking after some solid performances in their opening two losses to Canberra and Newcastle prior to last weekend’s bye.

The Sea Eagles had the Knights match all but wrapped up only to allow a late 90 metre try in a heartbreaking 16-14 loss at 4 Pines Park a fortnight ago.

“The game was there for us to win. We led 14-12 with three and a half minutes left and made a dumb decision which we couldn't defend the mistake. They went 90 metres to score, so that's disappointing,’’ Crotty reflected.

“The effort from the boys is certainly there and they are showing up for each other. We’ve just got to be a little bit smarter with the ball.

“Hopefully, we can amend that with some stuff we've done at training, and we can get a better show this weekend in that regard.”

A highlight in the loss was a slick left edge play from centre in Manly junior Benjamin Keene-O’Keefe, who broke through two defenders to set up winger Thomas Klem to put a perfectly well-timed kick for full-back Aymn Hamilton to finish off a superb 40 metre try.

“Our left edge has been very good so far. I thought Sebastian Piukala, our front-rower and captain, was one of our better players too,’’ Crotty added.

“Hooker Billy Thompson has played two 80-minute games and has been very tough and brave.

“We just need one little win so we can learn from our mistakes and then hopefully it snowballs in a positive way.

“The Roosters are 0-3 and they will be desperate, so that's a good challenge. Hopefully, they are uncomfortable coming over on a Sunday afternoon to play at Narrabeen.”

The Jersey Flegg Cup match kicks off at 4pm.