Overview
- The Roosters beat Manly 33-16 at Brookvale on Thursday, with former Sea Eagles half Daly Cherry-Evans booed and involved in four of the visitors' six tries.
- A fierce storm less than two hours before kickoff cut power to the big screen and PA and raised lightning safety concerns, but repairs allowed play to proceed.
- Sections of the home crowd chanted “Seibold out” at full-time after a third straight loss at 4 Pines Park, and the Manly coach said only owner Scott Penn can decide his future.
- The defeat left Manly winless at home to start 2026 for the first time since 2004, despite long-range tries from Tom Trbojevic and Tolu Koula and a spirited debut by 19-year-old prop Simi Laiafi.
- The Roosters controlled the game with a 96% completion rate and saw centre Billy Smith exit with a knee injury, while Manly winger Jason Saab was sin-binned late for high contact.