The Sea Eagles continued their impressive pre-season form and put one hand on the Pre-Season Challenge title after a stylish win over the Roosters.
Last year’s grand finalists Parramatta welcomed back Mitch Moses and Clint Gutherson as they proved far too strong for the Knights in the early game.
The main takeaways
- The Sea Eagles had nine offloads, one short of the 10 they needed for a third bonus point which would have wrapped up the Pre-Season Challenge title. The Bulldogs, Sharks, Warriors and St Helens are all on 14 and need the full 15 points to join Manly on top.
- In the event of two teams finishing equal on 29 points a countback procedure (see below) will be used to decide the winner, starting with points differential. The Sea Eagles’ differential is + 14, the Warriors are +36, Bulldogs +16, Sharks +12 and St Helens +12.
- The Roosters went in without Luke Keary, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Sam Walker and Joseph Manu and then lost Joseph Suaalii to a head knock.
- With Tom Trbojevic on track for Round 1 and Tolu Koula, Reuben Garrick and Kaeo Weekes in outstanding form the Sea Eagles backline is in good shape.
Source: NRL.com