NRL Round One: James Tedesco, Brett Morris grab hat-tricks

Sydney have thrashed Manly to open the 2021 season, but there was a potentially career-threatening injury to one skipper.

James Tedesco of the Roosters breaks through a tackle to score a try during the round-one NRL match between Sydney and the Manly Sea Eagles at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Saturday. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

It took just three minutes to remind the rugby league world that James Tedesco is the game’s premier player as the Sydney Roosters sent a clear statement of intent to premiership rivals following a record 46-4 thumping of Manly at the SCG on Saturday.

Tedesco finished with three tries and two assists to bankroll the Roosters’ first win in a season opener in four years.

Ageless winger Brett Morris also got in on the act, scoring his 11th career hat-trick.

It was the Sea Eagles’ worst start to a season, eclipsing the 44-10 loss to Brisbane in the Broncos’ first-ever premiership game in 1988, and the Roosters’ biggest first-round win in their 113-year history.

Tedesco claimed the first of his three tries with his first touch of the ball, soaring above Manly winger Reuben Garrick to grab a Luke Keary bomb and give the Roosters an early lead just 180 seconds into the game.

The champion No 1 scored his second try soon and added a third early in the second half to secure his third career hat-trick.

Tedesco was simply a cut above every other player on the field.

The win sent the strongest of messages the Roosters’ finals fade out last year was an aberration.

The 2018-19 premiers were stewing all summer after their hopes of a three-peat title defence came to an end at the hands of Canberra in week two of last year’s play-offs.

They spoke all off-season about the need to get off to a good start after a sluggish opening to 2020 and delivered with interest.

They were simply too strong, too skilful, too slick and for a completely outclassed Manly side.

Jake Friend of the Roosters is helped by team trainers after a head knock. Picture: Getty Images

The Roosters were also left with concerns over skipper Jake Friend, who was taken from the field after suffering a heavy knock tackling Andrew Davey.

It’s the latest in a worrying series of concussions for the tough No 9.

News Corp Australia Sports Newsroom

FULL report is here