When the lights are brightest, the biggest stars shine – and that was exactly the case for Roosters superstar Joseph Manu on Sunday afternoon (AEDT).
In the second clash of the double-header at Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, the superstar centre created a couple of magic moments to give the Tricolours a 14-10 upset victory over last year's NRL grand finalists Brisbane in front of a massive crowd.
Manu crossed for the opening try, snatching an intercept from Ezra Mam to set the crowd alight in Vegas, before young gun Deine Mariner hit back just before half-time to narrow the margin for the Broncos.
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In a lower-scoring affair than what Vegas produced earlier in the afternoon between Souths and Manly, Manu was the man of the moment once again in the 51st minute, pulling off a 'miracle' flick pass to put Junior Pauga over in the corner.
"No-look, over the top flick pass I've never seen before," Andrew Johns said on Nine.
"It is a miracle, what a ball … that was special."
Billy Slater also dubbed the moment from Manu as "physically impossible" during the coverage, with the NRL greats in awe of the Roosters superstar.
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Eight minutes later however, Reece Walsh briefly sparked the Broncos back to life with a try under the sticks to put them back in the contest, setting up a grandstand finish.
A potential comeback for the Broncos was short-lived however, with Trent Robinson's side hanging tough before a piece of brilliance from James Tedesco set up Victor Radley for the match-sealing four-pointer with less than 10 minutes remaining.
Tensions began to spill over with 15 minutes remaining as Mam and Spencer Leniu were involved in a heated scuffle, which saw the Roosters prop placed on report.
The clash also ended in disappointing fashion for two players – Siua Wong and Brendan Piakura both suffering injuries, with the latter leaving the field early due to a head knock.
Both sides will have a weekend off before their respective round two fixtures.
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