Harold Matts 2021: Latu Fainu, Josh Feledy shine as Sea Eagles extend unbeaten run

Manly’s NRL side might be struggling but their Harold Matts team is showing great signs for the future, with gun five-eighth Latu Fainu starring in their big win against Penrith.

Latu Fainu in action for Manly's Harold Matthews Cup side, Round 1, 2021. (Must Credit Bryden Sharp)

Young Latu Fainu is giving frustrated Manly fans plenty to cheer.

One day after the club’s NRL side recorded its third straight loss, the five-eighth steered the Sea Eagles’ undefeated Harold Matthews side to a massive 44-16 victory over the Penrith Panthers.

Fainu was a standout in the top-of-the-table clash, scoring in the first minute and setting up countless tries on Saturday.

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“(Fainu) is outstanding, he controlled the game where he needed to. He can play composed to structure, but when he sees something he attacks it,” Manly coach Adam McEwen said.

“That’s probably his greatest quality being able to switch between playing what’s in front of him and what’s being called.”

Latu Fainu starred in Manly’s big win over Penrith on Saturday. Picture: Julian Andrews

Both sides entered the contest undefeated, but it was the Sea Eagles who dominated both possession and field position. The big win has propelled Manly ahead of Penrith into top spot on the ladder, weeks out from finals.

“It’s wonderful for morale, but every game is as important as the next. We took (Penrith) today, but we know that in a month’s time, if we play them again, it won’t mean anything” McEwen said.

Skipper Josh Feledy was his usual explosive self and notched a double — the local junior has now scored 12 tries in six games.

The Panthers looked dangerous in patches — especially when fullback Liam Ison was involved. Forwards Luron Patea and Harrison Hassett also refused to give up.

Coach Kyle Churchill believes his boys will learn plenty from their first loss of 2021.

“Experiencing those tough situations, experiencing getting things wrong and what the consequences can actually be. I think that’ll be the wake up call we needed,” Churchill said.

“Staying that, there were lots of patches in that game where if we get the opportunity again, we’ll find our redemption, get things right and come over the top of them next time.”

Around the grounds, Central Coast winger Mason Stottelaar scored four tries in his side’s 54-6 demolition of the Bunnies. The Magpies, Eels, Tigers and Bulldogs also recorded wins.

Manly skipper Josh Feledy continued his try-scoring form with a double against Penrith. Picture: Julian Andrews

SG BALL CUP

Fullback Kade Dykes, son of Sharks legend Adam Dykes, scored a hat-trick in Cronulla’s 54-18 pumping of the Magpies.

“Ryan Rivett was also good, was strong again leading the team around the park, was on point with his kicking, was good defensively,” Sharks Academy and Talent Identification Manager Glenn Brailey said.

“We probably haven’t reached our full potential as a team, but today was a good step forward in the right direction at the right time, hopefully we can string some good wins back-to-back, make finals and have a crack then.”

Manly’s SG Ball side piled 11 unanswered tries on the Panthers to win 60-0. Winger Uluaki Tuipulotu scored a hat-trick, while NRL development player Kaeo Weekes crossed twice. Sprint star Tolutau Koula, who has been fast tracked into the club’s top 30 squad, also bagged a double. The Bulldogs, Roosters and Rabbitohs also recorded wins.

TARSHA GALE CUP

Sharks centre Chloe Boston scored a brilliant match-winning try in the dying minutes of Cronulla’s thrilling 18-14 win over the Wests Tigers. Second rower Tayla Curtis was also strong and claimed a double in tight contest. Sydney Roosters’ Indigenous Academy were too good for Parramatta, with dummy half Taneka Todhunter snatching a hat-trick in the absolutely clinical 50-0 showing.

FAINU BROTHERS HELPING EAGLES SOAR

Hat-tricks are impressive — but how good does it feel to score a double hat-trick?

Just ask Manly’s Harold Matts captain Josh Feledy.

The explosive centre scored an astounding six tries last fortnight in his side’s 40-0 victory over the Newcastle Knights.

“He was unlucky not to get seven,” Sea Eagles coach Adam McEwan said. “A couple of those, he just created out of nothing, just on his own strength and speed.

Sea Eagles hooker Alfred Ah Chong has been impressive. Picture: Bryden Sharp

“He’s a beauty, a local Manly junior, just a good kid. Trains hard, very respectful, not a big talker but leads by his actions … a very talented football player.

“It was a really good performance from our lads, we’d been playing well in patches (this season) but that was probably the first game where we just got on with it.”

The clinical win boosted Manly’s confidence ahead of their clash against Penrith Panthers on Saturday. McEwan was confident his Sea Eagles would step up — especially brothers Latu and Samuela Fainu.

“They’re from a really strong rugby league family, two terrific young men, respectful, very coachable,” McEwan said.

“Big Sam is the leader of the forward pack, he brings the emotional energy in the middle. When things get tough everyone looks to Sam.”

Five-eighth Latu is only 16 and already he has shown exceptional instinct and game control.

“He’s extremely composed,” McEwan said. “I haven’t seen him ruffled at all, I haven’t seen pressure get to him.

“He has set up tries, not off coaches plays, but just from what he’s seeing and relationships he’s got with players. He’s got Josh Feledy outside him, they combine really well. I’ve also seen instinct plays with him and his brother together.

“He’s got a great mix of qualities you want in a player, he’s coachable, can play to a game plan, but if the game needs something he’s good and confident enough to unpack it.”

Originally published as Harold Matts 2021: Latu Fainu, Josh Feledy shine as Sea Eagles extend unbeaten run