Roosters win crucial contest against Sea Eagles as Ben Trbojevic ruled out following gruesome head clash in stormy conditions

The Sydney Roosters have kept their finals hopes alive with a crucial 20-4 win over the Manly Sea Eagles in stormy conditions at Brookvale Oval on Saturday evening.

Manly back-rower Ben Trbojevic was ruled out in the first half after a gruesome head clash with teammate and milestone man Luke Brooks left him gushing with blood.

Trbojevic and Brooks collided when they went to tackle Roosters back-rower Siua Wong 25 minutes into the contest.

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Trbojevic went off for a head injury assessment and failed the test, having displayed category one symptoms.

In extremely wet and windy conditions — hail even started coming down early in the second half — the Roosters took a 12-4 lead into half-time after scoring tries through Billy Smith and Angus Crichton.

The Crichton four-pointer will go down as a contender for try of the season.

Roosters winger Daniel Tupou collected a cross-field kick from Sam Walker before offloading to Crichton.

The Roosters picked up where they left off in the second half, with Egan Butcher diving over to extend their lead.

Adding to the Sea Eagles' woes, hooker Jake Simpkin left the field briefly for a head injury assessment after copping an errant knee, before lock Jazz Tevaga was helped off late with a serious hip injury.

Walker proved the difference between the teams, starring for the visitors with two try assists, three conversions and one penalty goal.

While it was not the outcome Manly would have been hoping for, it was still a special night for five-eighth Brooks, who celebrated his 250th first-grade game.

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Leading in, the result of the clash was high-stakes, with Manly placed ninth on the ladder and the Tricolours 10th. With the result, the Roosters now leapfrog the Sea Eagles to move within two points of the top eight.

The Roosters face a tough run home with games against top-eight sides the Dolphins, the Bulldogs and the Storm.

Meanwhile, the Sea Eagles will next face the Raiders in a do-or-die clash.