In round 15 of the NRL Telstra Premiership, the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles overcame many injuries to defeat the St George-Illawarra Dragons 30-14.
A resolute Dragons team forced the Sea Eagles to work hard in front of a packed 4 Pines Park.
Manly had their job cut out for them with the injuries to Taniela Paseka (hand) and Reuben Garrick (two HIAs) in the first half, along with a knee injury to Toafofoa Sipley.
Anthony Seibold, the coach of the Sea Eagles, highlighted the team’s tenacity and a few players’ leadership.
We didn’t have many things go our way, but we fought incredibly hard. Although we felt a little pressured at times, I believe “Chez” and Jake led them remarkably today. For our club, this afternoon is fantastic,” Seibold remarked.
Cherry-Evans also discussed his team’s performance today and the lessons they should remember for next week.
“I hope that everyone who participated in today’s game will gain a great deal of confidence. Hopefully, our answer has demonstrated that there is a minimal expectation for our level of effort when playing, he added.
Haumole Olakau’atu was also quick to mention “DCE,” citing his outstanding performance that included one try, 122 metres (from 11 runs), one line break, one try assist, and 23 tackles in front of a possible second State of Origin appearance.
He has greatly benefited us. If he wasn’t ready, I don’t think Seibs (Seibold) would have given him the leadership position. For him, everything is fitting into place. I believe he still has his best football ahead of him, and that’s a huge plus for this club that he’s here to stay, Cherry-Evans continued.
The Sea Eagles were behind 10-8 at the break, but they immediately took control of the game with four tries in the second half, scoring their largest margin of victory of the year.
Following his signing from the Wests Tigers earlier this month, Jake Simpkin became Sea Eagle #655. Corey Waddell, a second-row player, also made his 50th game for the team.
After just four minutes, the Sea Eagles were trying to get things going quickly. With a 4-0 advantage, full-back Lehi Hopoate scored his maiden NRL try after slicing past the opposition with his pace.
Four minutes later, winger Zac Lomax appeared to have tied the score with a magnificent diving attempt for the Dragons, but luckily, a knock-on during the grounding caused the bunker to overturn it.
Leave a Reply