Joseph Manu, a key player for the Sydney Roosters, will be out of action for about a month due to a hand injury sustained during a recent match against the Wests Tigers. Manu was injured in the first half while attempting to fend off a defender, resulting in a snapping motion of his hand. He was visibly in pain and was taken off the field by medical staff.
Subsequent scans revealed that Manu had two fractures in his hand, necessitating surgery and a recovery period of approximately four weeks. This injury adds to the Roosters’ current challenges with their backline, as they are already missing players like Billy Smith and Robert Toia, who may be out for the season, and Junior Pauga, who is suspended until Round 22. The team will now have to find a way to replace Manu in their upcoming games against the St George Illawarra Dragons, Melbourne Storm, and Manly Sea Eagles, as well as during their bye week.
Ethan King, who was the 18th man in Sunday’s game and is primarily a fullback but can also play in the centres, might make his debut. Another possible replacement is Michael Jennings, who recently played for the Roosters in their reserve grade win over the Newtown Jets. Tyreece Tait, an Under-19 State of Origin player, is another potential option for filling Manu’s position in the coming weeks.
Despite Manu’s injury, the Roosters reported no other injury concerns from their win against the Wests Tigers. The match saw several standout performances, contributing to the team’s dominant display. James Tedesco, the Roosters’ fullback, was particularly impressive, scoring a try, making 286 running metres, two line breaks, and a try assist. His dynamic play posed significant challenges for the opposition defenders.
Daniel Tupou also delivered a strong performance, scoring two tries in the second half and making 20 carries for 200 metres without any errors. His efforts on both sides of the ball were notable, contributing to the Roosters’ commanding victory.
In other NRL action, Will Pryce’s debut was a highlight, especially after Matt Burton’s golden point heroics secured a win for the Bulldogs against the Sharks. Pryce’s performance was a standout on Saturday, helping his team to an unexpected victory.
Selwyn Cobbo of the Brisbane Broncos was another notable performer, almost single-handedly trying to bring his team back into contention in their game. Although the Broncos fell short, Cobbo’s efforts highlighted his potential as a replacement for the injured Xavier Coates in the Maroons’ lineup.
Bradman Best of the Knights made significant contributions in their game against the Eels. With the match hanging in the balance, Best’s defensive plays and two late tries were crucial in turning the tide in favor of the Knights. He amassed 357 metres and provided two assists in addition to his two tries, showcasing his all-around capabilities.
Greg Marzhew, also from the Knights, had a productive game, combining effectively with Best. Marzhew scored two tries and made 210 metres from 22 runs, breaking eight tackles and providing an offload, demonstrating his strength and reliability on the field.
Overall, the recent round of the NRL Telstra Premiership saw some remarkable individual performances that were instrumental in their teams’ successes. The Roosters, despite facing injury setbacks, showcased their depth and resilience with key players stepping up to secure a dominant win. The next few weeks will be challenging as they navigate through their injury woes and strive to maintain their competitive edge in the league.
