The recent performance of the Manly Sea Eagles has raised concerns about their resilience, particularly following their defeat to the Wests Tigers, a team that has struggled throughout the season. This match marked the 11th instance this year where Manly found themselves trailing at halftime, and they ended up losing every one of those matches. The team’s inability to recover from a halftime deficit has led to questions about their mental fortitude.
Manly’s season began with promise, highlighted by an early solo try from Tolu Koula. Yet, they faltered, ultimately trailing the Tigers 12-6 at the break and failing to pose a serious threat in the second half. Captain Daly Cherry-Evans struggled in this match, committing multiple errors and consistently failing to make effective plays.
The Sea Eagles’ attacking prowess, once feared by opponents, has seemingly vanished. In their past four matches, they scored just 32 points, marking the worst stretch for the club since 1975. Conversely, the Tigers capitalised on Manly’s weaknesses, secure in a 26-12 victory that reflects their improvements under changing circumstances.
In more positive news, Souths’ young player Tallis Duncan has been making waves, demonstrating his potential as a future captain with a standout performance against the Eels, where he scored two tries. Meanwhile, Broncos player Reece Walsh has shown that under pressure, he can shine; despite earlier inconsistencies this season, he helped his team come back from behind to beat the Dolphins with a stellar show of talent.
In other highlights, Sharks winger Ronaldo Mulitalo has cemented his place in club history by scoring 10 or more tries for six consecutive seasons. His recent two-try effort against the Titans showcased his ability to deliver when it matters most.
Penrith’s Dylan Edwards and James Tedesco continued their competition for the fullback role in the Australian Kangaroos team, with Tedesco’s recent performance against the Bulldogs bolstering his case as he led the Roosters to a convincing win.
Despite being plagued by injuries, the Dragons displayed commendable determination in their close match against the Warriors, showcasing that even when the team is diminished, they can still compete fiercely.
Finally, Xavier Coates from the Storm is making a case for becoming one of the best wingers in the game, combining technical skill with athleticism, leading to impressive contributions in critical matches, including a decisive performance against the Panthers.
As the NRL season progresses, teams are either solidifying their strengths or grappling with their weaknesses, setting the stage for an engaging finish.