Andrew Pelechaty reviews Manly-Warringah’s big win over the Titans at Robina.
MATCH DETAILS
Tyrone Roberts kicked an early penalty goal as the Titans started well, but from there it was all Manly: Curtis Sironen scored the Sea Eagles’ opening two tries, joined by Reuben Garrick and Jorge Taufua, as Manly led 20-2. AJ Brimson bombed a couple late chances for the Titans before halftime.
Manly extended the lead with a Garrick penalty goal and a converted try to Moses Suli. It was Manly’s only try in a scrappy second half.
Phillip Sami finally scored for the Titans, with a beautiful pick up and pass from halfback Tyrone Roberts. Brimson seemed to give the Titans a huge sniff with a 75-metre try off a Manly error, but it was denied due to obstruction.
Sami scored his second try, after more lovely lead up work from Roberts, as the Titans saved some face on the scoreboard.
A late Garrick penalty goal extended Manly’s lead to 18 as both teams look forward to a round 16 bye.
FOUR POINTERS
Everything’s Coming up Manly
Like Milhouse in his flood pants, Des Hasler’s return has re-energised the Sea Eagles. They sit just outside the top four after today’s win (temporarily overtaking Newcastle). While there would be concerns after a scrappy second half, they get a free two points for next week’s bye and time to re-focus, with four of their last nine games at Lottland/Brookvale. Huge away games against South Sydney (round 17), Melbourne (round 19) and a Brookvale clash with Newcastle (round 20) will test their top four hopes.
“Sirro Jr” Celebrates Milestone
Playing his 100th game, Curtis Sironen scored a first half double as Manly took an early lead. Father Paul – a Balmain Tigers legend – watched proudly in the stands. Curtis played 65 games for the Wests Tigers before moving to Manly in 2017.
Roberts Stands up for Titans
While the Titans are a rabble, their captain Tyrone Roberts continues to try his heart out. He threw the final pass for both of Sami’s second half tries as the Titans kept on trying and gained some respectability. It continues Roberts’ decent season, with 6 tries from 12 games and over 80 per cent goalkicking.
Titans Close to the Spoon
The wooden spoon race is on between the Titans and Canterbury-Bankstown. With off-field dramas over Tyrone Peachey’s future, and no Ash Taylor, Jai Arrow, and Dale Copley, the Titans were outclassed today – their third straight home loss, yet they were good enough to beat Manly at Brookvale at Brisbane at Suncorp Stadium a few weeks ago. It’ll be another long off-season at Robina. Will Garth Brennan be there to help their rebuild?
THE RESULT
Gold Coast Titans 12
Tries: Phillip Sami (2)
Goals: Tyrone Roberts 2/3
Drop Goals: n/a
Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles 30
Tries: Curtis Sironen (2), Reuben Garrick, Jorge Taufua, Moses Suli
Goals: Garrick 5/6
Drop Goals: n/a
SQUADS
Gold Coast Titans: 1. AJ Brimson 2. Anthony Don 3. Jesse Arthars 4. Brian Kelly 19. Phillip Sami 6. Tyrone Roberts 7. Ryley Jacks 8. Jarrod Wallace 9. Nathan Peats 10. Moeaika Fotuaika 21. Kevin Procter 12. Bryce Cartwright 13. Jai Whitbread. Interchange: 11. Will Matthews 14. Mitch Rein 16. Jack Stockwell 17. Shannon Boyd.
Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles: 1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Jorge Taufua 3. Dylan Walker 4. Moses Suli 5. Reuben Garrick 6. Cade Cust 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Manase Fainu 10. Martin Taupau 11. Joel Thompson 12. Curtis Sironen 13. Jake Trbojevic. Interchange: 14. Brendan Elliot 15. Corey Waddell 16. Morgan Boyle 17. Taniela Paseka.
