The Manly Warringah Sea Eagles have now cemented themselves as the best Under 16's team in NSW after recording a dominant 32-12 victory over the Western Rams at Glen Willow Regional Sports Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Played as the curtain-raiser to the St George Illawarra Dragons and Canberra Raiders NRL match in Mudgee, the Rams fought valiantly in defeat but Manly proved too strong from start to finish in a performance that included a defiant defensive effort and some formidable attacking raids.
The Rams boasted enormous emerging talents such as club Player of the Year Mason Pollack and Noah Griffiths, but faced a Manly side brimming with confidence following their eight-point victory over the Eels in the UNE Harold Matthews Grand Final two weeks ago.
Although a tough loss to swallow, the Rams lost no admirers after their successful 2018 campaign and will undoubtedly be looking to continue their blistering form into next season.
Meanwhile, Manly have plenty of young talent to watch out for in the future with the likes of halfback Kaeo Weekes and dynamic fullback Tolutau Koula starring for the star-studded outfit throughout the season.
In 2019, they will be looking to become the first team to claim back-to-back UNE Harold Matthews premierships since the Parramatta Eels side in 2012/13.
