We’re near our best: Roosters title threat

THE Sydney Roosters have fired a warning shot at their premiership rivals, belting Manly 56-24 to rack up the equal-highest score against the Sea Eagles at Lottoland.

The Roosters ran in 10 tries to three in their best attacking performance of the year to ram home their spot in the competition’s top four.

They are now two points behind ladder leaders Melbourne, St George Illawarra and South Sydney with a comparable for-and-against after their biggest win of the season.

With a host of former players watching on for Golden Eagles day, the thumping was the first time Manly have conceded a half century at the ground since July 2004, and their worst defensive effort since Canterbury also beat them 56-24 in 2003.

It also marked their fifth consecutive loss at Lottoland – the first time they have dropped so many games at the ground since early 2004.

The signs were there. The Roosters broke Manly’s defensive line eight times in the opening 40 minutes.