The coveted NRL Provan-Summons Trophy Photo: End of Level Boss
The Sydney Roosters are NRL Premiers following their 26-18 win over Manly in what was an enthralling encounter at ANZ Stadium last night. The NRL showpiece game was billed as a potential blockbuster, and the eventual outcome didn’t disappoint.
The game started with the Sea Eagles showing a little more enthusiasm than the Roosters. Their constant pressure eventually led to the opening try of the game through Jorge Taufua with only 8 minutes gone. Some bad discipline by the Roosters allowed Manly to extend their lead 6 points to nil. Open attacking play ensued from both teams but it is feverishly matched by some hard hitting defensive work as well.
The Roosters stepped up their game and threatened to score but Manly scrambled to hold firm. Another Roosters’ attempt saw a high kick by James Maloney plucked out of the air on the wing by Daniel Tupou to score out wide. Maloney converted to level the scores.
The next period of the game saw the Roosters with the majority of possession. A prolonged amount of time in their tackling saw Manly penalised, allowing Maloney to convert for an 8-6 lead to the Roosters. The intensity was origin-like and left the neutrals disappointed about the half time hooter welcoming the interval.
The second half started with a controversial moment in the 43rd minute. Jamie Lyon was judged to have been tackled without the ball which the officials awarded as a penalty try, despite the ball not bouncing favourably enough for Lyon to have reached it.
Five minutes later and some more Manly pressure saw them breach the Roosters’ defence once again through to stretch the score out to 18-6 with Steve Matai as their try scorer.
The Roosters managed to pull a try back in the 57th minute to make it 18-14 through Aidan Guerra, after some some relentless attacking by the boys from Bondi .
The Roosters were now on a roll and Manly were feeling the pressure. A Sonny Bill Williams offload allowed the Roosters to carry the ball from deep inside their half through to the Manly try line with Shaun Kenny-Dowell crossing to score. Maloney’s conversion made it 20-18.
Another break by Williams set up a dangerous Roosters attack once again. Maloney put a grubber through for Michael Jennings to score a spectacular try, diving on a ball that seemed to be in the dead zone. It was 26-18 with only 8 minutes to go, and the Minor Premiers were not going to let this one go. Manly tried but it was all in vain. The Sydney Roosters wrapped up a much deserved Premiership after once again showing that they were this season’s stand out team.
NRL Grand Final
Sydney Roosters 26 Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles 18
Clive Churchill Medallist: Daly Cherry-Evans
Crowd: 81,491
