And we’re off, with Warriors centre Ali Leiataua taking the kick-off and the first carry, the Warriors playing it simple in the opening set and halfback Luke Metcalf putting in a decent kick on the last.
Not such a solid first set for the Sea Eagles, with a poor Tom Trbojevic pass finding the turf before Warriors winger Taine Tuaupiki dived on the ball for a turnover. Manly’s defence is tested early with a whole Warriors set inside their own half, but they hold firm.
And then – they strike. A short-side raid down the right leads to a simple break for speedster Jason Saab after a nice ball from Reuben Garrick, and Saab draws the fullback and sends Trbojevic over for the opening points of the match. Garrick’s conversion attempt is a bit of a shocker, but Manly have the lead.
Sea Eagles 4, Warriors 0 after 5 minutes
