Indigenous All Stars v Maori LIVE updates: Indigenous women win after penalty decides match, men prepare for kick-off
They already boast enough firepower to worry most NRL teams, but Manly gave a glimpse of their back-up depth with a 34-24 win in their pre-season hit-out against South Sydney at Gosford on Saturday night.
After a spectator suffered a suspected heart attack just before kick-off, requiring attention from the game-day paramedics before being taken to hospital, kick-off was delayed and there were suggestions the trial may have to be abandoned.
But play eventually started at 5.10pm, 100 minutes late. After a torrid opening 20 minutes, the Sea Eagles drew first blood through towering winger Navren Willett, a Taree junior who has joined Manly from Wests Tigers.
Manly winger Navren Willett.Credit: Getty Images
Willett, 19, stands 201 centimetres, which means he would be the tallest winger in the competition – and the second-tallest player overall behind Brisbane’s Benjamin Te Kura (206cm) – if and when he makes his NRL debut.
He looks a good athlete, finishing off a backline move to score the opening try, then making it a double seven minutes later by reaching out to score from close range. He also came close to scoring in the opening seconds, only to be foiled by sensational cover defence, and was denied his hat-trick 10 minutes into the second half when he came within inches of grounding a grubber kick in-goal.
Whether Willett is required this year remains to be seen. Manly already boast some of the most lethal outside backs in the NRL – including Tom Trbojevic, Jason Saab, Reuben Garrick and Tolutau Koula – so Willett may have to play a waiting game before he receives a top-grade opportunity.
Another indication of Manly’s depth in personnel were tries from winger Raymond Tuaimalo Vaega (two), centre Aaron Schoupp and hooker Jake Simpkin. All are experienced NRL players who might have to bide their time in NSW Cup.
Raymond Tuaimalo Vaega celebrates a try.Credit: Getty Images
Former Roosters forward Siosiua Taukeiaho, meanwhile, did not look out of place after returning from Catalans Dragons in Super League. He could be a valuable addition for Manly, especially as first-choice prop Taniela Paseka finished the game early with what appeared to be a shoulder injury.
For Souths, English halfback Lewis Dodd appeared composed and comfortable in his first game, showing a neat left-foot kicking game. He was replaced at half-time but returned late in the match for a second stint.
Fullback Jye Gray was one Rabbitoh to enhance his reputation, scoring a first-half try and generally threatening Manly with his pace.
Souths will take solace from the three tries they scored in the final 10 minutes, after Manly at one point led 34-6.
Earlier, players from both teams had completed an extensive warm-up and were preparing to run out when it was announced that kick-off had been delayed, while paramedics treated the stricken fan. Both teams returned to their dressing rooms and were advised they would be given a five-minute warning once a rescheduled kick-off time had been locked in.
An announcement was made over the loudspeaker, appealing for any ICPs (intensive-care paramedics) to present themselves to security guards.It was the second such incident within the space of a week. The A-League match between Newcastle Jets and Melbourne Victory last week in Newcastle was halted when a spectator suffered a heart attack. Doctors in the crowd saved his life, although he is facing major surgery. The game resumed, and the Jets won 3-0.
