Manly Warringah Sea Eagles recorded a hard fought 26-18 win over South Sydney Rabbitohs at Brookvale Oval tonight in round 22 of the Holden Cup.
Talented prop Liam Knight missed the match with concussion with his place being taken by Jyi Seymour. Mitch Thomas started on the wing for Bailey Shiach-Wise who dropped back to the bench.
The Sea Eagles opened their account with a try to classy fullback Tom Trbojevic who beat three defenders to score for a 4-0 lead in the 4th minute. Hooker Hugh Pratt failed to convert the try.
A few minutes later, Addison Demetriou used his strength to score out wide. Pratt converted for a 10-0 lead.
South Sydney got on the board in the 20th minute with a try to prop Brock Gray. Full-back Jordie Hedges converted the try to leave the Rabbitohs trailing 10-6.
Manly Warringah stretched the lead to 14-6 with a try to Mitch Thomas in the right corner. Pratt converted for a 16-6 lead. The score remained that way till half-time.
2ND Half
The Rabbitohs reduced the margin to 16-10 with a try to centre Siosifa Talakai in the right corner. Hedges converted for a 16-12 scoreline.
Demetriou took the Sea Eagles to a 20-12 lead with his second try. Pratt converted the try for a 22-12 lead.
A great cut out pass by Trbojevic saw winger Jesse Bogle dive over in the 67th minute for a 26-12 lead to the Sea Eagles.
The Rabbitohs hit back with a try to centre Irae Simone in the 78th minute. Hedges converted for the 26-18 scoreline.
The win moves the Sea Eagles to 25 points and into fourth position subject to weekend results.
