Manly captain Daly Cherry-Evans admits his side “has a bit to work on” after the Sea Eagles’ surprise 26-10 loss to the Titans at Brookvale Oval.
It was clear throughout the contest that Manly missed superstar fullback Tom Trbojevic, as they were unable to assert themselves in attack.
This was against a Titans side who had leaked 55 second half points in their previous two games, including giving up a 26-0 lead against the Dolphins last week.
Watch every game of every round of the 2023 NRL Telstra Premiership Season LIVE on Kayo Sports. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >
FOX LEAGUE PODCAST – REECE ROBSON
Cowboys hooker Reece Robson dissects his side’s “frustrating” start to the season and opens up on when the team realised something wasn’t quite right. Robson also looks back at his rugby league journey to become one of the top No. 9s in the game. Listen HERE >
Cherry-Evans tried to inspire his side in the second half, setting up Manly’s sole try immediately after kicking a 40/20, but it was the only highlight on a grim night.
Trbojevic was replaced at fullback by 21-year-old Kaeo Weekes, who was making just his second career start.
Cherry-Evans said it was also going to feel “different” without Trbojevic.
“Kaeo has different strengths to Tom but we probably didn’t get enough reps in practice on a short turnaround unfortunately,” Cherry-Evans said.
“As much as we’ll try and keep things similar … it’s always going to be different without Tom back there.
“We’ll go back, look at our attack and try and sharpen up for next week.
“We didn’t throw a whole lot of punches and we have a bit to work on.”
Gold Coast Titans Press Conference | 04:42
MORE NRL NEWS
BIG HITS: Hat-trick hero’s Origin statement; Broncos miss Haas in Souths’ rout
‘WE COPPED OUR OWN MEDICINE’: Kevvie stoic despite ‘flat’ Broncos’ mauling
BIG HITS: Gutho bags hat-trick as Eels punish Knights in ‘absolute bloodbath’
Weekes had his moments according to coach Anthony Seibold, but “didn’t get to show his best.”
“I thought Kaeo did a decent job after an early error to not take himself out of the game,” Seibold said.
“Attack wise, we wanted Kaeo to bring his strengths. He’s quite quick … He can’t replicate Tom’s game, they play so different.
“We didn’t seem connected in attack tonight so we didn’t ask a lot of questions.
“Of course we’d love to have Tom out there, but we had enough opportunities … We got what we deserved in the end.”
Get all the latest NRL news, highlights and analysis delivered straight to your inbox with Fox Sports Sportmail. Sign up now!!
Seibold said post-match that Trbojevic is a chance to return in Manly’s Magic Round clash against the Broncos.
“We needed to take the conservative route this week and the medical staff will do their best to get him right,” Seibold said.
“We’d like to think he’s going to play against the Broncos.”
