In a match rightly described as “diabolical”, the Sydney Roosters’ new halves combination of Joey Manu and Luke Keary has stayed unbeaten for the 2023 NRL season.
With rain pouring consistently at Mt Smart Stadium, New Zealand, the Roosters were too clinical for the Warriors, finishing 14-0 winners.
After Sam Walker was dropped before the Anzac Day clash against St George Illawarra Dragons, Keary was given the reigns of the side at halfback and performed brilliantly again after a man of the match performance last Tuesday.
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The three-time premiership winner kicked a brilliant 40/20 early in the match with Nat Butcher scoring a few sets later.
“He was very strong, very strong in what was a well balanced performance,” Queensland great Corey Parker said on Fox League’s coverage.
“He came up with a 40/20 in the early stage of that first half, which gave themselves a great opportunity and off the back of that they were able to come away with some points.
“He didn’t overplay his hand, I like the combination they’re able to have with Manu and Keary. Manu again was terrific, his running game was high … tackle busts galore.”
Manu, playing his second game at five-eighth for the year played his role brilliantly, running for 141 metres from 16 runs.
Momirovski injures shoulder
In his second NRL match of the year, returning from injury, second rower Sitili Tupouniua was quality too, coming up with a try in the second half to put the game beyond doubt.
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While the Roosters were able to keep their opponents scoreless, Parker wasn’t convinced the side has turned around its early season woes.
“Big step in the right direction (for the Roosters), I’m not sure if they’re back or it’s a big statement but surely they wanted to go over there (and win) in New Zealand in what was diabolical conditions,” he said.
Overall, both sides combined for 24 errors throughout the match.
The Roosters may have one concern from the victory, with Paul Momirovski leaving the field in the second half with a shoulder injury and failing to return to the field.
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