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Sonny Bill Williams delivered some classic second half touches to propel the Sydney Roosters to a 26-18 win over Manly in a memorable NRL grand final at ANZ Stadium on Sunday night. Photo: Photosport

T

he Roosters led 8-6 at halftime but fell behind 8-18 inside the first nine minutes of the second half after Manly altered the momentum.


Until then the SBW factor hadnt been significant but he altered that in a flash as he began to make his presence felt in what could be his last appearance in rugby league before returning to rugby union. Or will he? Thats a question yet to be answered.


However, the man himself provided telling statements on the field in the second half, especially in the build-up to Shaun Kenny-Dowalls 60th-minute try.


That try enabled the Roosters to go 20-18 ahead before they sealed the match with a bewildering Michael Jennings try.


Match details:


At ANZ Stadium, Homebush

Sydney Roosters 26 (Daniel Tupou, Aidan Guerra, Shaun Kenny-Dowall, Michael Jennings tries; James Maloney 4 conversions, penalty).

Manly Sea Eagles 18 (Jorge Taufua, Jamie Lyon, Steve Matai tries; Jamie Lyon 2 conversions, penalty).

Halftime: 8-6 Roosters.

Referees: Shayne Hayne and Ben Cummins.

Crowd: 81,491.