LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
Manly Warringah suffered a disappointing 26-16 loss to the Sydney Roosters in a challenging match at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
The Roosters dominated the first half, scoring three tries to take an 18-2 lead at halftime.
Unfortunately, the Sea Eagles' chances were further hindered by the early injury to prop Matthew Lodge in the seventh minute.
As a result, the Sea Eagles now find themselves in 10th place on the ladder with 25 points, just one point behind the eighth-placed Cowboys, pending the outcome of other matches, with only four rounds remaining in the Telstra Premiership.
Notably, the game marked a milestone for Manly hooker Lachlan Croker, who celebrated his 100th appearance for the club.
Remarkably, this milestone came less than five days after he reached 100 NRL games in Wollongong.
Despite the loss, Manly's second-rower Haumole Olakau'atu displayed exceptional defensive skills, making a crucial try-saving tackle in the sixth minute to prevent winger Daniel Tupou from scoring.
The Roosters took an early lead when Tupou outjumped Manly winger Jason Saab to score off a well-placed kick from Luke Keary in the 19th minute.
To add to their advantage, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii successfully converted the try from the sideline, granting the Roosters a 6-2 lead.