Though Anthony Seibold has left, Manly displayed their ability to execute long-range tries as Reuben Garrick electrified the crowd with a stunning four-pointer straight from the kick-off against the Dragons at WIN Stadium.
A swift move into the opposition’s half was a signature of Seibold’s tenure, and it continues to be evident as Garrick sprinted an impressive 85 metres to score.
After Tom Trbojevic scored the first try, the Dragons’ kick-off went to Jason Saab, who ran a short distance before offloading to Garrick. With Dragons winger Christian Tuipulotu drawn in towards halfback Kyle Flanagan, Garrick found himself in space.
The Manly centre deftly evaded a poor tackle attempt from Valentine Holmes and surged towards the try line, extending the lead to 16-0 within just 17 minutes.
“A significant blow dealt to the Dragons … the fire has been extinguished,” remarked Fox League commentator Andrew Voss.
Reuben Garrick celebrates his try. NRL Imagery
Earlier, Tuipulotu had sustained a minor injury and received medical attention for approximately five minutes but continued to play. However, he was forced off in the aftermath of the try, appearing to suffer a knee injury.
It was a disastrous beginning for a Dragons side under immense pressure. Garrick opened the scoring in the seventh minute after Saab had leapt over Tuipulotu from a Jamal Fogarty kick, passed the ball back to Garrick, who juggled it before tumbling over the line.
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Trbojevic added a second try shortly after, taking advantage of Manly’s close-range attack on the second tackle. The fullback faked a pass to the right and darted past Flanagan for an easy score.
Injuries continued to plague the Dragons when Moses Suli was forced to exit the field for a head injury assessment after a stray boot caught him in the face with 11 minutes remaining.
Simultaneously, Jake Trbojevic also had to leave the field for an HIA due to an obvious cut under his right eye.
Jake Trbojevic was forced off following an injury to his eye. Fox League
Trbojevic’s exit seemed to ignite a resurgence from the Dragons, as Luciano Leilua scored off a quick tap right next to the line.
“Manly embarrassed by the restart,” Voss commented.
Jacob Liddle then added to the Dragons’ tally with just five minutes remaining, closing the gap to 16-12. Moments before half-time, it appeared Shane Flanagan’s side would level the score, but Setu Tu failed to control his opportunity just short of the line.
Compiled by SportArena.au
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