The boos rained down on Daly Cherry-Evans’ return to Brookvale Oval, but the final jeers were reserved for Manly coach Anthony Seibold as the Roosters secured a commanding 33-16 victory. This wasn’t simply a loss for the Sea Eagles; it’s a deepening crisis that raises serious questions about the team’s direction and Seibold’s future, exacerbated by a now-three game losing streak at their home ground. The game laid bare the fragility of Manly’s season, and the uncomfortable truth that Cherry-Evans’ departure, while not immediate, is already casting a long shadow.
- Manly’s Fortress Falls: A third consecutive home loss at Brookvale is a disastrous start to the season, igniting fan unrest and calls for coaching change.
- Cherry-Evans’ Bitter Return: Despite the hostile reception, DCE orchestrated key plays for the Roosters, highlighting the void Manly will face in 2026.
- Roosters’ Resilience: Overcoming early setbacks and a disrupted pre-game due to severe weather, the Roosters demonstrated composure and clinical execution.
The narrative surrounding this match was always going to be about Cherry-Evans. After 15 years of service and captaincy, his decision to join the Roosters for 2026 was met with understandable anger from the Manly faithful. The pre-game storm, mirroring the emotional tempest surrounding his return, even caused a power outage at the stadium, adding to the sense of foreboding. While the boos were predictable, the manner of Manly’s defeat – a collapse after a promising start – is what will truly sting supporters.
Manly’s early momentum, fueled by tries from Tom Trbojevic and Tolutau Koula, suggested a potential upset. However, a pivotal strip on Corey Waddell shifted the game’s momentum irrevocably. The Roosters, known for their discipline, capitalized ruthlessly, completing a remarkable 46 of 49 sets. This stark contrast in execution underscored a fundamental issue within the Sea Eagles’ game: a lack of polish and consistency, particularly in the halves. The forward pack, typically a strength, was also outmuscled, allowing the Roosters to dominate possession and territory.
The Forward Look: The pressure on Anthony Seibold is now immense. The chants of “Seibold out” are a clear indication of dwindling fan confidence. While the club may resist making a change mid-season, particularly with the Origin period approaching, continued poor performances will make his position untenable. More immediately, Manly faces a tough road trip to face the Dolphins next week. A loss there could trigger a crisis meeting within the club. Beyond the immediate coaching situation, Manly must confront the looming reality of life without Cherry-Evans. The Roosters’ victory served as a stark reminder of his playmaking ability and leadership. The club needs to accelerate its succession planning and identify a long-term solution at halfback. The focus will likely turn to internal options, but a significant recruitment drive may be necessary to fill the void. The next few weeks will be critical in determining whether Manly’s season can be salvaged, or if it’s destined for a downward spiral.
Judiciary
Jason Saab on report and sin-binned for a high tackle on Hugo Savala
FOX SPORTS LAB STATS
– Four straight wins for the Roosters against the Sea Eagles – the first time since 2013 they have won four straight against them.
– First time since 2004 Manly have lost their first three games of a season at Brookvale.
– The Roosters completed 46/49 sets – their most ever completed sets and second best ever completion rate under Trent Robinson (Since 2013).
– The Roosters trailed 10-8 at half time despite 54 percent possession and 49 tackles to 9 in the opposition.
– Tom Trbojevic scored the fastest Manly try on record (since 2007) when Manly shifted the ball on the second play of the game. He placed the ball under the posts after 30 seconds of game time. His second late in the game was the 28th time he has scored multiple tries in a match.
– All three of Manly’s tries were scored from over the half way line.
– Egan Butcher left the field early in the match after attempting a tackle on Taniela Paseka. He was assessed at a grade 1 concussion but won’t miss a game as the Roosters have the bye next weekend.
– Jason Saab was sin binned for a high tackle on Hugo Savala with eight minutes remaining. His first career sin bin. He has never been charged.
– Mark Nawaqanitawase’s try double gives him 8 games scoring 2+ tries in his 28 game career. He has scored 11 tries in his past seven games.
– Robert Toia scored the second try double of his career and had a hand in two others in a strong performance.
– Billy Smith did not return after half time with a reported Knee injury. He has previously suffered three ruptured ACLs.
– Daniel Tupou was awarded try 185 of his career – his first penalty try.
Fox Lab POTM: Naufahu Whyte. 16 runs for 155 metres, 59 post contact metres, 9 tackle busts, 17 tackles, 0 misses.
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TEAMS
Sea Eagles team: 1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Jason Saab 3. Tolutau Koula 4. Reuben Garrick 5. Lehi Hopoate 6. Luke Brooks 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Taniela Paseka 14. Brandon Wakeham 10. Kobe Hetherington 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Ben Trbojevic 13. Jake Trbojevic 9. Jake Simpkin 15. Corey Waddell 16. Ethan Bullemor 17. Paul Bryan 18. Simione Laiafi 19. Josh Feledy
Roosters team: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Billy Smith 4. Robert Toia 5. Mark Nawaqanitawase 6. Daly Cherry-Evans 7. Sam Walker 8. Naufahu Whyte 9. Reece Robson 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Angus Crichton 12. Siua Wong 13. Egan Butcher 14. Connor Watson 15. Blake Steep 16. Nat Butcher 17. Salesi Foketi 18. Cody Ramsey 19. Hugo Savala
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