Steely Roosters Hold Out Manly to Claim Gotcha4Life Cup

The Sydney Roosters will take the Gotcha4Life Cup back to Bondi after defeating Manly 20-10 in a tense clash at 4 Pines Park.

Played in picture perfect conditions on the Northern Beaches, the Roosters were made to do things the hard way after the Sea Eagles turned up with plenty of energy and physicality. 

The Bondi Wall was in full show in the back half of the contest, with the Roosters made to defend against a mountain of Maroon and White possession.

The defence came after some scintillating attacking football opened up the contest early.

After kick-starting the scoring with a Sam Walker penalty goal, the Roosters opened their account through Daniel Tupou after 10 minutes.

The Tricolours continued to threaten on numerous occasions in a physical opening 20 minutes, splitting the line constantly but lacking that finishing polish up against a spirited Manly outfit.

After all, the two competition points on the line were vital for the finals hopes of both sides.

And didn't both forward packs know it.

Lindsay Collins, in his first game since Origin III, was particularly enormous in the opening exchanges before leaving the field prematurely for a HIA.

Matt Lodge and Jared Waerea-Hargreaves also impressed with solid go-forward up the middle.

But eventually, it was the Roosters Captain who broke the game open.

With little doing down a blind side, James Tedesco dribbled a perfect kick in behind the Manly line, with Nat Butcher scooping up the loose ball to extend the lead out to 12.

A try to Andrew Davey ten minutes out from the break brought the Sea Eagles back within six, however the Roosters hit back straight away with Joey Manu charging over for his 50th career try from close range.

The try ensured the Roosters went to the sheds with an 18-6 advantage.

Walker extended the lead by a further two after the break, with the two sides again settling into a brutal arm-wrestle to open the second stanza.

Some steely Roosters defence was forced to keep Manly at bay for a sustained period, with Daly Cherry-Evans denied a try by the bunker after failing to ground a loose ball.

Manly eventually broke the drought with a try to Alfred Smalley, but it was far too little, far too late for the hosts.

Moving past Brad Fittler to become the 10th most capped Rooster of all time, Daniel Tupou was again at his reliable best, scoring the opening try and running for well over 150 run metres in game No.218.

The Roosters now turn towards a Round 21 showdown with the Broncos at the SCG next Thursday, with tickets available by clicking here.