NRL finals LIVE: Roosters to play Melbourne in preliminary final after crushing Manly 40-16

The Roosters have booked their spot in the 2024 preliminary finals after crushing Manly 40-16 at Allianz Stadium.

The Roosters celebrate a try.Credit: Getty Images

They’ll head down to Melbourne next week to play the Storm for a spot in the grand final.

It was carnage from the start for Manly, after Tolutau Koula left the field concussed from the first tackle of the match, but the Roosters were too good for Anthony Seibold’s team tonight.

Full-time: Roosters 40, Sea Eagles 16

The Roosters have booked their spot in the 2024 preliminary finals after crushing Manly 40-16 at Allianz Stadium.

The Roosters celebrate a try.Credit: Getty Images

They’ll head down to Melbourne next week to play the Storm for a spot in the grand final.

It was carnage from the start for Manly, after Tolutau Koula left the field concussed from the first tackle of the match, but the Roosters were too good for Anthony Seibold’s team tonight.

Full-time: Roosters 40, Sea Eagles 16

With the final minutes of the game ticking down, Dominic Young gets his first try for the night and the sixth try for the Roosters.

Some aerial mastery from Joey Manu to get the ball there, and a well-timed offload to get it in the hands of Young.

Roosters 40, Sea Eagles 16 with two minutes to go

Ben Trbojevic, come on down.

He keeps up the momentum for Manly with a try by the posts from a perfectly timed pass from Luke Brooks.

Trbojevic manages to slip the grip of Sandon Smith and Joey Manu and ease the embarrassment slightly for the Sea Eagles.

Roosters 36, Sea Eagles 16 with six minutes to go

Just as Manly were gaining some momentum, they do something stupid.

This time it’s Tom Trbojevic who runs into James Tedesco, taking him out and denying him the chance to chase the ball.

Once again the Roosters choose to add to their tally and near close to 40 points.

Roosters 36, Sea Eagles 10 with 13 minutes to go

It might just be the strangest try of the season, but Tommy Talau gets some more points for Manly.

He fumbles the ball in the air but the bunker rules it goes backwards, and he manages the ground it as it hits the ground.

Difficult to describe, and perhaps a little difficult to justify...everyone thought it constituted a knock-on because he didn’t regain control before grounding.

Roosters 34, Sea Eagles 10 with 19 minutes to go

James Tedesco uses that signature footwork to slip past Tom Trbojevic, Haumole Olakau’atu, Lachlan Croker and Matt Lodge to score – he even knocks over his good mate Luke Brooks on his way to putting the ball down.

I’ll say it now, I don’t think there’s any way Manly can come back from this.

Roosters 34, Sea Eagles 4 with 22 minutes to go

The Roosters get another two points to their tally after Daly Cherry-Evans gives away a penalty for holding James Tedesco back.

It’s all a bit confusing because Tedesco being held back has nothing to do with what’s happening in the play, which is Angus Crichton knocking the ball on over the line.

Regardless, the Rooster use their captain’s challenge to get the ball back and they add more points.

Roosters 28, Sea Eagles 4 with 27 minutes to go

Bad start for the Sea Eagles – Josh Aloiai puts the ball on Sitili Tupouniua’s foot while trying to play-the-ball, and it’s ruled as an incorrect play-the-ball.

Manly send it up as a captain’s challenge, but the bunker agrees with referee Grant Atkins.

A couple of plays from the scrum feed and the Roosters are in for another try, this time for Daniel Tupou on the left edge.

Terrible start to this second half from Manly.

Rooters 26, Sea Eagles 4 with 36 minutes to go

This is it, just 40 minutes stands between one of these teams and a preliminary final against Melbourne.

Roosters are in the box seat, but don’t count Manly out. If they can find two quick tries in this second half and they are well and truly in the fight.

James Tedesco gets us started with the kick-off and Josh Aloiai takes the first carry for the Sea Eagles.

Roosters 20, Sea Eagles 4 with 40 minutes to go