The Sydney Roosters clinched a significant 33-16 victory against the Manly Sea Eagles at Brookvale Oval, but the win came with some serious setbacks. The match commenced on time despite heavy rain and a pre-game blackout, highlighting the rivalry between the two teams. Unfortunately for the Roosters, they suffered multiple injuries, with centre Billy Smith exiting the game due to a knee injury, while Sam Walker and Salesi Foketi both sustained head knocks.
The incident involving Walker and Foketi occurred before half-time when their heads collided, leading to a temporary pause for head injury assessments. Thankfully, both players were later cleared to return. However, the Roosters were already dealing with other injuries; Egan Butcher, their starting lock-forward, was knocked out just minutes into the game following an accidental collision with Taniela Paseka and was taken off the field.
Manly opened the scoring rapidly, with Jason Saab linking up with Tom Trbojevic just 30 seconds in, catching everyone by surprise. The Roosters responded strongly, thanks in part to Mark Nawaqanitawase, who scored twice in the first half. Tolu Koula also electrified the crowd with a brilliant solo try, further energising the game as Dale Cherry-Evans faced jeers from the home crowd during his return.
The second half saw the Roosters dominate, with Robert Toia, Connor Watson, and Daniel Tupou all crossing the line in quick succession, including a penalty try for Tupou. Manly attempted to rally when Trbojevic scored a second try, but a dropped pass from Saab proved costly and halted their momentum. Compounding Manly’s difficulties, Saab received a sin bin for a high shot on Hugo Savala, leaving them with only 12 players on the field for the final moments of the match.
With the Sea Eagles left searching for their first win of the season, Walker sealed the match with a late field goal to ensure the Roosters’ victory. Despite the chaos and injuries, the Roosters emerged triumphant while Manly continued to struggle in early 2023.