Roosters big guns tune up for Vegas in win over Sea Eagles
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Most of the Roosters’ frontline talent had an extended run in Saturday’s 36-22 Pre-Season Challenge win over the Sea Eagles, ahead of their trip to Las Vegas for Round 1.
Captain James Tedesco played the full 80 minutes at fullback and was heavily involved, breaking through 10 tackles and running for 157 metres, while standoff Luke Keary and centre candidate Billy Smith had some nice individual moments at Industree Group Stadium in Gosford.
With Jared Waerea-Hargreaves suspended for Round 1, Terrell May and Egan Butcher both put their name forward to fill the void with busy shifts, while Tongan international Sitili Tupouniua did his chances no harm with a strong showing that included a second-half try.
New recruit Dominic Young scored early in the second quarter before heading to hospital as precaution, following a crusher-style tackle which saw Toafofoa Sipley placed on report.
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Dominic Young Try
While the Roosters appeared to have it over their vastly less experienced opponents for much of the game, the opening 15 minutes were all about the Sea Eagles as they enjoyed two thirds of possession but had only a try to Sipley to show for it.
When they got their chance the Roosters took full advantage, with a Keary break leading to halves partner Sam Walker burrowing over, before Young got his first try as a Rooster.
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Sam Walker Try
Manly still ended up leading 12-10 at the break though, thanks to a long-range Raymond Tuaimalo Vaega break setting Clayton Faulalo up for a try.
Daniel Tupou and Sitili Tupouniua both scored inside the first 10 minutes of the second half to give their side an eight-point lead, with Jake Arthur hitting back after an 80-metre counterattack before Tupou grabbed his second.
Jaxson Paulo’s try against his former club should have seen Manly level scores with nine to go, but for Brandon Wakeham to push a regulation conversion wide.
Tries to Connor Watson and Junior Pauga in the final five minutes put the final scoreline beyond doubt.
Match Snapshot
Play of the Game
It didn’t impact the result in the end, but this try from Clayton Faulalo summed up Manly’s desire to play exciting footy. It also made up for the earlier blunder from the young centre and win partner Raymond Tuaimalo Vaega, which saw them blow a certain try with a forward pass.
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Clayton Faulalo Try
What’s Next
With their respective season-openers in Las Vegas just around the corner, the Roosters take on arch-rivals the Rabbitohs at Belmore Oval on Friday and the Sea Eagles head back home to 4 Pines Park to face the Broncos on Saturday.