NRL 2016: Round 2 results, highlights and Round 3 fixtures

NRL

The Wests Tigers have joined other winning clubs after defeating the Manly Sea Eagles at Leichhardt Oval in Round 2 of the National Rugby League 2016 season.

The Tigers relied on their young guns to dominate Manly 36-22 and earn their second straight win in the 2016 NRL season. Fullback James Tedesco led the way for the Tigers, scoring three tries, while David Nofoaluma had two tries. Kevin Naiqama and Jordan Rankin each had one.

Tedesco’s remarkable performances in the start of the season, including last night’s hat-trick, puts the 23-year-old in the conservation for a State of Origin appearance with the NSW Blues. Tigers coach Jason Taylor said Tedesco is “absolutely” ready to be a jumper for NSW, describing it as an “easy decision” to put the centre on that spot.

“We talked about that this time last year and I didn’t think he was ready,” Taylor said, reports Fox Sports AU. “But he [Tedesco] played every minute of every game last year and, in my opinion, that’s a really easy decision. There’s not many better finishers in the game.”

Martin Taupau gave Manly a glimmer of hope after scoring a try in the 74^th minute mark, but Tedesco’s late consecutive tries sealed the deal for the Tigers, leaving Manly winless under new coach Trent Barrett. Lewis Brown, Dylan Walker and Jorge Taufua each scored a try for the Sea Eagles.

The win put the Tigers on the winning column alongside the South Sydney Rabbitohs, Brisbane Broncos, Canterbury Bulldogs, Melbourne Storm and Canberra Raiders. Wests will meet the Gold Coast Titans this weekend while the Sea Eagles will continue their quest for a first win of the season when they meet the Cronulla Sharks this weekend.

Match results (NRL.com)

Bulldogs def. Panthers 18-16

Broncos def. Warriors 25-10

Raiders def. Roosters 21-20

Rabbitohs def. Knights 48-6

Eels def. Cowboys 20-16

Storm def. Titans 34-16

Tigers def. Sea Eagles 36-22

Round 2 fixtures (NRL.com)

Mar. 17, Thursday – Cowboys vs Roosters

Mar. 18, Friday – Bulldogs vs Eels

Mar. 19, Saturday – Knights vs Raiders, Panthers vs Broncos, Titans vs Tigers