Manly Warringah Sea Eagles suffered a 38-22 loss to the Brisbane Broncos tonight in round 21 of the Holden Cup competition.
Played at Central Coast Stadium in a home game for the Sea Eagles, the Broncos dominated from start to finish with winger Nikau Te Rupe scoring three tries.
The loss leaves the Sea Eagles in seventh place subject to other weekend results.
The Broncos opened the scoring in the fifth minute when centre Jordan Drew dived on a grubber kick to score. Halfback Ash Taylor failed to convert for a 4-0 lead.
The Sea Eagles hit back in the 11th minute when lock Darcy Cox dived over next to the posts from a sharp pass from dummy half. Hooker Hugh Pratt converted for a 6-4 lead.
Brisbane went to an 8-6 lead when Drew scored his second try from a grubber kick. Taylor failed to convert the try.
Rupe then crossed for two quick tries. Taylor converted both tries to give his side a 20-6 lead after 34 minutes.
Manly Warringah reduced the margin to 20-10 when barnstorming centre Addison Demetriou lived up to his nickname of ‘The Steamroller’ to power his way through the defence to score under the posts. Pratt converted to leave the Sea Eagles trailing 20-12 at half-time.
2nd Half
The Sea Eagles got back to 20-16 through a try under the posts to five-eighth Will Pearsall in the 50th minute. Pratt converted to leave the Sea Eagles trailing 20-18.
Te Rupe scored his third try in the 57th minute when he crashed over Luke Garner in the left corner. Taylor converted from the sideline for a 26-18 lead to the Broncos.
The Broncos stretched their lead to 30-18 through a try to lock Jai Arrow. Taylor converted for a 32-18 scoreline.
A 77th minute try to centre Will Brimson saw the Broncos jump to a 36-18 lead. Taylor converted the try for a 38-18 lead.
Demetriou grabbed his second try when he fended off the defence in a strong run down the right flank to score on full-time for the 38-22 scoreline.
