Manly Warringah Sea Eagles have recorded a 38-34 over the Wests Tigers at Brookvale Oval in the Intrust Super Premiership.
The Sea Eagles started off the game enduring some early pressure from the Tigers but soon opened the scoring as Halauafu Lavaka received a pass out on the wing whilst show great composure to grab the opening try of the match for an early 4-0 lead.
The Tigers were struggling to contain the likes of Jamil Hopoate and Willis Meehan and soon extended their lead when Peter Schuster crossed over for the Sea Eagles. Dylan Kelly converted for a 10-0 lead.
The visitors quickly responded as Watson Heleta finished off a move against the run of play to make it 10-6 before Michael Chee-Kam was sent off for threatening an official. Manly took advantage right before the siren as Lavaka grabbed his second try of the match after great link up play between the two halves Isaac John and Pita Godinet. Kelly converted a difficult kick for a 16-6 lead heading into the sheds.
Second half.
The second half started off perfectly for the Sea Eagles as Lavaka showed great agility and mobility to squeeze his way through and grab his third try of the match. Kelly converted for a 22-6 lead.
The side from out west were handed a lifeline when Justin Hunt raced away from Pita Godinet to restore some hope for the visitors. The fullback converted to bring the score to 22-12.
Watson Heleta then raced through from dummy half who fended off the Sea Eagles defence to bring the score line even closer for the visitors. Hunt converted to bring the match back to within a try.
The Tigers remarkably hit the front when Curtis Siron bustled his way over for a try that was converted by Justin Hunt for a 24-22 lead.
The lead was short lived as Manly captain Pita Godinet intercepted a Hunt pass to make it 26-24 for an easy try in the 60th minute.
Marli Sini further stretched the lead as he scored an intercept try in the 70th minute to make it 32-24.
Prop forward Fabian Goodall showed fantastic strength and determination to fend off multiple Tigers players and place the ball down and give the Sea Eagles a 38-24 lead with less than five minutes remaining.
Late tries to Jason Grant and Charlie Taylor for the visitors set up a nervy finish but the Sea Eagles held firm to seal out a 38-34 win at Brookvale Oval.
Manly team: 2 Peter Schuster, 21 Clint Maguire, 10 Halauafu Lavaka, 4 Tony Satini, 22 Marli Sini, 6 Isaac John, 7 Pita Godinet ©, 8 Willis Meehan, 18 Joshua Tangitau, 17 Fabian Goodall, 11 Rhys Armstrong, 3 Jerry Key, 13 Jamil Hopoate, 9 Daniel Vasek, 12 Dylan Kelly, 15 Moses McGreal, 16 Jordan Sims.
