Clayton Faulalo shines as Manly secures narrow win at Four Pines Park
Margie McDonald
A brilliant performance from substitute full-back Clayton Faulalo helped Manly continue their hot form under Keiran Foran with a 12-10 win over the rookie coach’s former club Gold Coast.
The Sea Eagles’ seventh win of the season on Saturday was not as convincing as previous victories; A late try from Titans center AJ Brimson caused a few crashes at Four Pines Park as the visitors went two points clear after trailing 12-0.
But Faulalo shone, scoring his side’s first try with a superb long-range pass to winger Blake Wilson and adding a line break and two line break assists to his work on the night after scoring a goal himself.
Midway through the second half, Jaylan De Groot’s hip drop shot got his leg jammed, but Faulalo still managed to score 20 runs over 234 metres.
Faulalo’s continued contributions, following two try assists in last week’s 28-point win over Wests Tigers, ease Sea Eagles concerns about star No1 Tom Trbojevic (hamstring) sitting on the sidelines.
All seven wins have come under Foran’s watch since Anthony Siebold took over following a string of early-season defeats.
Foran himself was a Titan just eight months ago, playing his final game in September. But he wouldn’t be in an emotional mood when the Titans approached late.
The victory was made all the more remarkable by the fact that the Sea Eagles were without NSW Origin players Haumole Olakau’atu and Tolu Koula, as well as another brilliant player in the outside backfield in Lehi Hopoate (on pennant).
Subs on the wing Wilson, center Josh Feledy and back-rower Jackson Shereb certainly did Foran proud by stepping up and producing exactly what was needed.
The Titans were also without key personnel with Jojo Fifita and captain Tino Fa’asuamaleau on Queensland Origin duties.
Given Manly had 60 per cent possession in the first half, they did extremely well to restrict the Sea Eagles to a slim 4-0 half-time lead.
But it took the Titans 65 minutes to pick up a point through winger Phillip Sami and they were unable to attack on song when the momentum got in their way.
The two attempts were among Titan’s few standout attempts. Another was when Moeaki Fotuaika led the team onto the field to celebrate his 174th game for the club.
He currently tops the Titans all-time scoring list, passing 2007 foundation player Mark Minichiello.
AAP
