Roosters send ‘scary’ message with all-time round one thrashing of Manly

The Sydney Roosters may not have been able to complete the three-peat in 2020 but have already shown they’re in it to win it in 2021.

The Sydney Roosters have made a massive round one statement with the 46-4 thrashing of the Manly Sea Eagles making history.

The win for the foundation club is the biggest round one victory in its history, while also being the biggest ever round one loss for the Sea Eagles.

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At this stage it puts the Roosters on top of the ladder but more than the result, it was how they did it, making history along the way.

James Tedesco and Brett Morris both scored hat-tricks while both Morris twins one again showed their ageless class by breaking through incredible milestones.

Brett Morris scored his 166th, 167th and 168th try, moving into sole ownership of fourth on the list of all-time rugby league try scorers.

Josh Morris joined the party late with a try of his own but his score broke through the 150 career try mark, moving him into 14th on the all-time list.

Incredibly, the Sea Eagles tied it up after an early Roosters try but from there it was all the Roosters.

Brett Morris is a time lord.

By halftime, the Roosters led 26-4, with Fox League commentator Dan Ginnane stunned by the performance of the side as they look to go after a third premiership in four years.

“This is scary,” he said in commentary as Morris barged his way across the line.

The best thing about Morris try is that he had to force his way to the line, getting the ball 10m out and having to weave back on the inside and beat three players.

“Brett Morris, the ageless wonder, again he had work to do,” Ginnane said. “Wingers get so many tried just simply catching and plunging over but the strength to reach out.

“This game was 4-all early but the Roosters, with a less than clinical attack at times, have pummeled the Sea Eagles.”

Don’t know how at 34 @sydneyroosters Brett Morris continues to perform at this level . Still so elusive. Two tries - 5 in total before the break. Big statement that half. #NRLRoostersManly

— Robert Grasso (@RobertGrasso) March 13, 2021

While there were concerns when skipper Jake Friend went off with a concussion and failed his HIA, which raised questions over his future in the game, the Roosters went on with the result, running in nine tries to one.

But on the field, the Roosters have done enough to convince plenty of people already.

“They’ve put the competition on notice again that they are going to be there at the back end of the season,” Ennis said on Fox League at halftime.

“They have been terrific. What a start from Tedesco he was red hot.

“The class of particularly the Roosters’ right side of Tedesco, Joseph Manu and their adventuring.

“Brett Morris picked up another double in the first half. They have really pulled apart the Manly Sea Eagles. It has been far too easy.”

Daly Cherry-Evans’ body language says it all.

Social media was quick to react to the all-time thrashing.

Great night for footy at the SCG. What a carve up #nrlroostersmanlypic.twitter.com/mU8tyuwkDp

— Russell Jackson (@rustycj) March 13, 2021

Keary, Tedesco, Morris brothers next level today v Manly. Lam settling in. 46-4. Lot of road ahead. @sydneyroosters may not be favourites, but barring injuries, showed enough to be genuine contenders again back end of season. #NRLRoostersManly#NRL

— Robert Grasso (@RobertGrasso) March 13, 2021

Is it that @sydneyroosters have a hot right side attack or @SeaEagles have problems with their left side defence
Sitting behind the play it's not pretty if your a manly fan #NRL#NRLRoostersManlypic.twitter.com/ItNIp1pvUw

— Bernie Coen (@berniecoen) March 13, 2021

Originally published as Roosters send ‘scary’ message with all-time round one thrashing of Manly