Match Report: NSW Cup Round 4 vs Roosters
Two tries from talented half-back Joey Walsh was the highlight of Manly’s 44-18 loss to the Sydney Roosters on Saturday in the NSW Cup.
Walsh sent a strong message to new interim Manly Coach Kieran Foran with a fine performance in a game that saw Manly drop off in defence badly in the second half after trailing 14-12 at the break.
The Sea Eagles were boosted by the return of centre Josh Feledy after being a reserve in the NRL match on Thursday. Prop Paul Bryan also played after getting just seven minutes in the NRL game.
Walsh opened the scoring when he took the line on to beat several defenders to score next to the posts for a 6-0 lead after 11 minutes.
The Roosters drew level five minutes later through a try to five-eighth Reece Foley on the back off two damaging runs from winger Fetalaiga Pauga in the lead up.
Two tries in seven minutes to Pauga and centre Ben Johnson saw the Roosters jump to a 14-6 lead after 30 minutes.
A crisp, short pass from Walsh then sent Tom Summer over under the posts to leave the Sea Eagles trailing 14-12 after 37 minutes. Foley then missed a long-range field goal inside the final minute for a 14-12 scoreline at the break.
Feledy was set for the tryline three minutes after half-time only for the referee to call a forward pass. He was at it again six minutes later when he tried to pull off an acrobatic dive off a grubber kick from Walsh.
The Roosters made the most of their good fortune with two tries in three minutes after hooker Benaiah Ioelu crashed over before Pauga finished off a short play on the left to score for a 26-12 lead after 58 minutes.
A 40/20 kick saw the Roosters take advantage again when a simple shift to the right saw winger Tom Rodwell dive over for a 32-12 lead with 15 minutes remaining.
Two more tries in three minutes to prop Taylor Losalu and second-rower Blake Steep saw the Roosters stretch their lead to 44-12.
Walsh then grabbed his second try when he took the line on again to spin his way over in the corner for the 44-18 scoreline.
The loss leaves Manly with one win and a bye after four rounds.
Manly return to 4 Pines Park next Saturday to tackle the North Sydney Bears with the kick-off time to be confirmed.
