Sydney Roosters hold onto eighth spot after their 20-10 win over Manly Sea Eagles at Brookvale Oval on Thursday night.
On a week full of headlines, Sydney Roosters were able to do enough to keep their spot in the top eight off the back of another fabulous performance from fullback James Tedesco against a gallant Manly Sea Eagles side.
The Roosters came out ready for business and put first points on the board through a Sam Walker penalty goal. Next, it was a smooth backline move which saw Daniel Tupou stroll over for an early 8-0 lead.
James Tedesco was an energiser bunny all over the field tonight. The Blues fullback showed all the full range of tricks with a deft kick for a chasing Nat Butcher to touch down and extend the Roosters lead to 12 points.
It was a hard game for the Sea Eagles to get any cohesive effort but they did pull one back before half-time. Daly Cherry-Evans held up the ball enough for Andrew Davey to eventually score the four-pointer.
Back from injury, Joseph Manu restored the Roosters lead back to a dozen just before half-time. The centre burrowed over from close range to make it 18-6 and strengthen the Roosters grip on eighth spot on the NRL ladder.
Roosters were unable to build on their lead much in the second half. A Walker penalty goal was their only points as they went close late through winger Joseph Suaalii who bounced the ball from a great height.
Sea Eagles never gave up the ghost despite being outmanned and went close several times. Morgan Harper spilled the ball when the hosts had an overlap and future Premier Legaue striker Cherry-Evans kicked twice but flubbed his lines trying to touch down.
They did have one final moment in the game and it was a happy one for debuting winger Alfred Smalley. He was on the end of a slick backline movement started by Kieran Foran and ended with a big dive for a four-pointer on debut.