Manly continue to dominate their history against the Cronulla Sharks, winning by 10 points on Sunday afternoon.
MATCH DETAILS
In the last game of round 10, the Sharks hosted the Sea Eagles for the first Sunday afternoon match of 2019 at PointsBet Stadium.
The Manly Sea Eagles were dominant from the beginning, with a string of penalties and a handful of errors from Cronulla. Manly’s big forwards dominating through the middle, resulting in Addin Fonua-Blake scoring in the opening ten minutes.
A short time later and against the run of play, the Sharks were on the board after a clever kick from Kyle Flanagan, resulting in a try from Bronson Xerri. Manly continued to dominate possession in the first half, resulting in a try to Brendan Elliot in the 21stminute, which came after sustained pressure.
Kane Elgey scored a try late in the first half, sending Manly to the break leading by 14 points.
The Sea Eagles’ lead extended to 20 points early in the second half after a try to Dylan Walker. From that point the Sharks dominated possession. The fiftieth minute saw a charging try from Braden Hamlin-Uele after a penalty. 20 minutes later, a try was awarded to Sosaia Feki from a Chad Townsend kick, reducing the margin to just ten points.
Despite Feki’s late try and Cronulla’s possession in the second half, the Sharks had left it too late to muster a comeback. Manly was extremely resilient and courageous in defence and thoroughly deserved the win.
The Sea Eagles defeated the Cronulla Sharks 24-14.
FOUR POINTERS
Sharks’ Hoodoo Continues
Regardless of what is happening during the season, the Sharks struggle against the Sea Eagles. Their Sunday afternoon loss at PointsBet Stadium was no different. In 12 games dating back to 2011, the Sharks have won just two, the last of which being in 2016.
Great Debut by Cade Cust
Cade Cust was one of the best on the field for the Sea Eagles when he made his debut on Sunday afternoon. Cust had a fantastic game, controlling Manly’s attack with an astute kicking game and played way above his experience. He has plenty of skill and will
Fifita’s 200th Not So Memorable
There was some doubt surrounding the fitness of Andrew Fifita, who suffered a hamstring injury early in the Sharks’ win against the Titans last weekend. He pushed through and was named to play against Manly, and despite his strong numbers, he appeared to struggle with the hamstring injury.
Fantastic Forwards
The Sea Eagles have a fantastic forward pack with the likes of Addin Fonua-Blake, Martin Taupau, Joel Thompson, Curtis Sironen and Jake Trbojevic. They were dominant in what was an important victory for Manly and will continue to be a strong force for the team as the season progresses.
THE RESULT
Cronulla Sharks 14
Tries: Bronson Xerri, Braden Hamlin-Uele, Sosaia Feki
Goals: Kyle Flanagan 1/3
Manly Sea Eagles 24
Tries: Addin Fonua-Blake, Brendan Elliot, Kane Elgey, Dylan Walker,
Goals: Reuben Garrick 4/4
SQUADS
Cronulla Sharks: 1. Josh Dugan, 2. Sosaia Feki, 3. Bronson Xerri, 4. Josh Morris, 5. Aaron Gray, 6. Kyle Flanagan, 7. Chad Townsend, 8. Andrew Fifita, 9. Jayden Brailey, 10. Matt Prior, 11. Briton Nikora, 12. Kurt Capewell, 13. Paul Gallen INTERCHANGE 14. Blayke Brailey, 15. Jayson Bukuya, 16. Jack Williams, 17. Braden Hamlin-Uele
Manly Sea Eagles: 1. Brendan Elliot, 2. Jorge Taufua, 3. Dylan Walker, 4. Brad Parker, 5. Reuben Garrick, 6. Cade Cust, 7. Kane Elegey, 8. Addin Fonua-Blake, 9. Apisai Koroisau, 10. Martin Taupau, 11. Joel Thompson, 12. Curtis Sironen, 13. Jake Trbojevic, INTERCHANGE 14. Manase Fainu, 15. Jack Gosiewski, 16. Corey Waddell, 17. Morgan Boyle
