Manly Warringah Sea Eagles suffered a 34-22 loss to Nth Qld Cowboys at Brookvale Oval tonight in round nine of the Holden Cup.
The Sea Eagles opened the scoring in the fourth minute when Hutana Coffin burrowed over from dummy half for a 4-0 lead.
The visitors drew level when prop Darryn Schonig scored before the Sea Eagles regained the lead when Coffin nailed a short pass to send second-rower Billy Bainbridge over for a 10-4 lead.
The Cowboys hit back for a 10-all scoreline after 20 minutes through a converted try to hooker Brandon Smith.
The visitors took the lead for the first time two minutes later when winger Ntahan Traill crossed in the corner for a 14-10 scoreline.The score remained that way until half-time.
2nd Half
Smith scored his second try early in the match for a 20-10 lead to the Cowboys before Manly reduced the margin with a try to Luke Polselli for a 20-16 scoreline.
The Cowboys then jumped to a 26-16 lead through a converted try from a spilt Manly bomb before Ponga converted a penalty goal for a 28-16 lead.
Smith then crossed for his third try for a 34-16 scoreline before Manly stripped the ball to race away to score through Lucas Prince for the 34-22 scoreline.
The loss leaves the Sea Eagles winless and on the bottom of the ladder.
Manly team:
1 Jayden El-Jalkh 2 Tevita Funa 3 Jesse Ramien 4 Sione Hopoate 5 Harlan Collins
6 Luke Polselli 7 Cade Cust 10 Darcy Cox 11 Billy Bainbridge 12 Eddie Wulf 13 Jonny Walker 17 George Francis 20 Hutana Coffin; Interchange: 8 Elia Faatui, 14 Jaiden Tarrant, 15 Lucas Price, 16 Moses Noovao-McGreal
