The Sydney Roosters have compounded further misery into Manly’s disastrous season, recovering from a slow start to hold out for a 22-20 win at Allianz Stadium.
After Manly fired to lead 10-0 early, the Roosters clawed it back 14-14 at half-time and took the lead shortly after through a surging Jared Waerea-Hargreaves try.
From there, the Roosters never let the advantage slip as they climbed back into the top eight.
The Sea Eagles looked by far the most likely in attack for the majority of the second half, but could only get themselves back within two with four minutes to play when Akuila Uate crossed out wide.
But again the Roosters’ defence was resolute, as Manly were left to rue a Daly Cherry-Evans missed conversion from right in front early in the physical match.
Regardless, it should have taken little away from the Roosters’ gutsy effort, including when Roosters bench forward Victor Radley pulled off potentially the try-saving tackle of the year on Dylan Walker with 25 minutes to play.
With the tryline wide open after Walker broke through the Roosters’ defence, Radley covered across from the middle of the field to put an absolute bell-ringer on Walker.
From the Roosters’ ensuing set, they earned a penalty from an escort on their kick and then capitalised on Jake Trbojevic being called offside to extend the score to 22-14 via a penalty goal.
The win was a vital one for the Roosters, who have been criticised for their attack with a low-scoring victory over Canterbury their only win over the previous three weeks.
Prop Sio Siua Taukeiaho was dominant, running more than 150 metres, while Waerea-Hargreaves and Isaac Liu both crossed for tries.
Meanwhile Manly coach Trent Barrett breathed a sigh of relief, after Walker survived what appeared to be a lower leg injury in their cursed five-eighth position.
Walker was hit low late in the match by Joseph Manu as he fought to stay standing in a tackle, and the Manly No.6 remained on the ground for some time.
However he recovered, crucial given any absence would have led to further questions for Barrett about a potential Jackson Hastings recall.
