Manly Sea Eagles enjoy contentious call in Roosters victory

Manly has started the season 2-0 after overcoming the Roosters in contentious fashion in front of a packed Brookvale Oval crowd.

Luke Brooks, James Tedesco and Haumole Olakau'atu

The Manly Sea Eagles have started the season 2-0 after defeating the Sydney Roosters 21-14 in front of a packed Brookvale Oval crowd.

New recruit Luke Brooks was excellent for the Sea Eagles, as was centre Tolutau Koula.

It was an entertaining affair, but there were plenty of chances that went begging for both teams, especially the Sea Eagles.

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Brooks almost had two tries in the first half, dropping a pass right near the line and then putting his foot into touch as he attempted to score in the corner.

The five-eighth was everywhere for Manly, seemingly asking questions of the Roosters defence nearly every time he touched the ball.

The highlight for the Roosters came in the second half when Dom Young – in his first game for the club – raced 75m from an intercept to score.

Luke Brooks continued his excellent form for the Sea Eagles. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)

Manly opened the scoring in controversial fashion in the 6th minute when Lachlan Croker was in the right place at the right time.

Roosters fullback James Tedesco dropped a Manly bomb which was picked up by Croker, who crossed the line for a four-pointer.

It was a very contentious decision as Manly fullback Tom Trbojevic chased the kick but didn’t contest the ball all the while making contact with Tedesco.

Both Fox League commentators were shocked that the try was awarded.

“I’m stunned that that isn’t a penalty for the Roosters,” Greg Alexander said.

“I am surprised,” Warren Smith added.

The Roosters would hit back through Daniel Tupou, who finished off some lovely back line play by Luke Keary and Tedesco.

DOM YOUNG ALL THE WAY! 😤

Young's first try for the Roosters is a wild one! 🔥

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The two teams exchanged tries again with Manly heading into the break up 12-10.

The Sea Eagles started strongly in the second half thanks to a try to Tommy Talau – his first for his new club.

Haumole Olakau’atu almost went over twice in a minute, but went short in the first instance before the Bunker overturned his second attempt after a slight knock on was found.

Olakau’atu didn’t finish the game, seen receiving sideline treatment on his leg in the final minutes.

Despite boasting the more talented forward pack, the Roosters’ engine room lost the physicality battle to the Manly pack according to Corey Parker and Michael Ennis.

Sea Eagles starting prop Taniela Paseka ran for 159 metres from 16 runs, causing Ennis to remark that he’s “never seen” the forward “run harder”.

Manly’s other starting prop Josh Aloiai also kept the Roosters honest all day while star back rower Haumole Olakau’atu continued his brilliant start to the season.

“The way they did it was through physicality and brutality in the opening parts of the second half against a very strong Roosters side. They went after them defensively,” Ennis said of Manly’s pack.

Originally published as Manly Sea Eagles enjoy contentious call in Roosters victory