The Sydney Roosters’ NRL pre-season from hell has continued with Joseph Suaalii struggling a head knock of their 28-16 trial loss to Manly.
Down 26-0 halfway by means of the second half, the Roosters placed on a quick comeback late within the second half with the vast majority of their large names again on the sphere.
However it wasn’t sufficient to beat a formidable Manly outfit, who all however wrapped up the inaugural pre-season problem with the win.
The actual concern, although, was off the sphere for the Roosters.
Suaalii was harm when he received his head within the improper spot attempting to take down Sea Eagles wrecking-ball Haumole Olakau’atu.
The teenage famous person was despatched from the sphere for an HIA and didn’t return.
Little greater than two weeks out from their season opener towards the Dolphins, Suaalii joins fellow centre Joey Manu (jaw) in racing the clock to play at Suncorp Stadium.
Luke Keary (jaw) and Jared Waerea-Hargreaves (again) have additionally suffered accidents however are hoping to be match, whereas second-rower Angus Crichton has taken private depart.
Connor Watson additionally suffered a knee harm final month that may rule him out of for the opening months, whereas Sitili Tupouniua (knee) stays sidelined.
With out Sam Walker attributable to COVID-19, the Roosters had been poor in assault as they accomplished at 63 per cent.
Manly however seemed slick with out three-quarters of their backbone in Tom Trbojevic, Daly Cherry-Evans and Lachlan Croker.
Younger hooker Gordon Chan Kum Tong was notably spectacular, often darting out of dummy-half as he had a hand in two tries.
He signed a brand new deal to affix Manly’s high 30 subsequent season, and whereas he’s listed as a growth participant this yr he seems to be each probability to debut sooner or later.
Reuben Garrick additionally bagged two tries on the left wing, with the Sea Eagles’ fluent down that aspect as Josh Schuster enjoying his first recreation as full-time five-eighth.
Manly’s win leaves them atop the pre-season problem, one offload brief within the win from claiming sufficient bonus factors to wrap up the title and $100,000 prize however nonetheless within the field seat.
Solely the Warriors, Canterbury or Cronulla might topple the Sea Eagles, in the event that they win, declare all bonus factors of their matches this weekend and higher Manly’s for-and-against.
However there have been some minor issues for Manly, with Morgan Harper limping from the sphere late with a knee harm and fellow centre Brad Parker receiving two blows to the nostril.