Rooster Booster

The Sydney Roosters tonight showed their depth and class as they put away a spirited Manly side 42-20, in front of a packed Brookvale Oval.

Having a glut of possession and plenty of penalties in the first half, the Roosters streaked to a 28-4 lead at half time.

While Manly fought back in the second half, the Roosters had done enough to make sure the decision was never in doubt.

For the Roosters Brad Fittler, Hodges and Jason Cayless put in solid efforts, while Andrew Walker and Chris Hicks were part of their second half revival.

Coming off the back of a near loss to Souths, the Roosters can breathe a sigh of relief they have done enough to escape the wrath of coach Ricky Stuart, whose only complaint could be the Chooks didn?t go on with the job in the second half.

Manly showed tonight they will be competitive this year, and will give plenty of sides a run for their money.

ROOSTERS 42 Tries: Cayless 2, Burn, Hodges,Catic, Fittler, Walker. Goals: Fitzgibbon 4/5, Fittler 1/1, Walker 1/1 defeated SEA EAGLES 20 Tries: Hicks 2, Stephenson, Harris. Goals: Walker 1/2 Hicks 1/1

Brookvale Oval Referee: Stephen Clark Video Referee: Mick Stone Touch Judges: Paul Kalina, Jason Weinstein

By the clock: 0 min: Kick off!

3 min: TRY - Roosters. Jason Cayless scores. Conversion unsuccessful from Craig Fitzgibbon. Roosters 4-0

10 min: TRY - Roosters. Brad Fittler. Conversion successful from Craig Fitzgibbon. Roosters 10-0

20 min: TRY - Sea Eagles. Paul Stephenson scores. Conversion Walker unsuccessful. Roosters 10-4

26 min: TRY - Roosters. Chris Walker scores following a set move with Fittler in motion. Conversion Fittler. Roosters 16-4

30 min: TRY - Roosters. Cayless gets a double. Soft try. Conversion struck well by Fitzgibbon. Roosters 22-4

34 min:TRY -Roosters. Ned Catic runs away after pass from Chris Walker. Roosters 26-4. Conversion successful by Fitzgibbon Roosters 28-4.

Half Time Summary The Roosters depth of kicking and bruising defence and enthusiasm have them well ahead. Although the score line doesnt reflect the Manly effort, who have looked good in places. Being canned in the penalties and silly mistakes have made them their own worst enemy.

40 min: Play resumes.

41 min: TRY- Roosters. Hodges under the post from kickoff. Fitzgibbon adds the extras. Roosters 34-Manly 4.

44 min: TRY-Manly. Hicks. Hicks converts his own try. Decision made by video ref. Roosters 34-Manly 10.

NEWS: Jason Cayless has medial damage and maybe out for 3-4 weeks.

46 min: Jye Mullane puts through kick and Roosters are trapped behind the line. Fittler short kick from drop out and regathers. Pressure off.

51 min: NO TRY. Hodges puts it down for the Roosters. Video ref is looking at a flat pass from Fittler and an obstruction. No try.

56 min: TRY. Manly. Sam Harris. After an error from Roosters on their line. Walker converts. Roosters 34-Manly 16.

63 min: Disallowed try by Roosters. Forward pass from Walker to Cross. Score remains Roosters 34-Manly 16.

64 min: TRY to Manly. Chris Hicks scores a good solo try after some good lead up work by Andrew Walker. Walker misses the goal. Roosters 34-Eagles 20. We have a ball game.

NEWS: Ryan Cross carried off the field.

67 min: PENALTY GOAL -Roosters. Penalties have stopped Manly's resurgance. Roosters 36-Manly 20.

72 min: NEWS: Roosters bomb a try when Minichello clutches at a pass that was not meant for him. Score remains Roosters 36-Manly 20.

NEWS: In form Manly prop Ian Donnelly leaves field with eye injury

76 min: We got to video ref. Hodges in for the Roosters, but the ball may have been forced by Andrew Walker. Waiting..................

No Try.

79 mins: TRY Roosters. Byrne scores off a grubber into the in-goal. Rooster 42-Manly 20. Walker converts. Its all over

Roosters win 42-20

----------------------------------------- Leagueunlimited.com players of the match: 3 - N Catic (Roosters) 2 - J Cayless (Roosters) 1 - C Hicks (Sea Eagles) -----------------------------------------