Sydney Roosters score convincing 26-12 NRL win over Manly after Penrith defeats St George Illawarra 20-16

Young five-eighth Sam Walker has starred for the Sydney Roosters in their 26-12 victory over Manly, the result leaving the Sea Eagles winless after the opening two rounds of the season.

In Friday night's earlier match, defending premiers Penrith survived a late fightback from St George Illawarra to win 20-16 in Kogarah.

At the SCG, Walker and James Tedesco both made statements for the Roosters, who led 22-0 at half-time en route to recording their first win of the season.

The Roosters were forced to withstand a brutal second half in which Manly had the majority of the ball, while losing both Connor Watson (shoulder) and Sitili Tupouniua (concussion).

Walker laid on the Roosters' first try when he took the defensive line on with confidence, stepping his way through before putting Drew Hutchison over.

He almost set up another try when he again stepped before the line and put on a shallow chip kick, only for Jason Saab to just save the day for Manly.

On another occasion Walker linked nicely with halves partner Luke Keary, going to the line and finding his halfback and allowing Nat Butcher to go over.

The 19-year-old also had a key moment after half-time, anticipating a Sea Eagles kick from a scrum and turning early to beat a sprinting Saab to the ball.

Tedesco was also brilliant after being quiet in the Roosters' first-round loss to Newcastle.

He sent Daniel Tupou for a try, and twice forced line dropouts.

Butcher and Tupouniua bagged first-half tries as part of a dominant Roosters pack, while Siosiua Taukeiaho totalled 199 metres.

Among the premiership favourites, the difference in the Roosters was clear when they broke the line six times in the first half after not doing so at all last week against the Knights.

They also ran more