'Killer' on the run.. Captain and centre Jamie Lyon takes on Anthony Milford at Suncorp Stadium tonight. Photos: NRL Photos.
Manly Warringah Sea Eagles suffered a 30-6 loss to premiership leaders Brisbane Broncos at a sold out Suncorp Stadium tonight.
The match – the first of a three-year commercial deal for the Sea Eagles to play their home games against Brisbane at Suncorp Stadium instead of Brookvale Oval – was played in front of a crowd of 52, 347 as part of a Brisbane double header that earlier saw fellow ‘home’ team Melbourne Storm record a 15-14 win over premiers Nth Qld Cowboys.
The Sea Eagles were boosted by the return of Tom Trbojevic to the team at full-back from an ankle injury to replace the injured Brett Stewart. The team also went into the match missing centre Steve Matai due to a neck injury with Lewis Brown shifted from the second-row to replace Matai.
The Broncos opened the scoring when full-back Darius Boyd scooped up a loose ball after a desperate attempt by Daly Cherry-Evans to race 20 metres to score behind the posts. The Sea Eagles appealed for an obstruction by the Broncos but the try was awarded by referee Jared Maxwell. Jordan Kahu converted for a 6-0 lead after 10 minutes.
Five minutes later, a great inside ball by half-back Ben Hunt put five-eighth Anthony Milford through a gap to race away to score under the posts. Kahu converted for a 12-0 lead after 16 minutes.
Seven minutes later, the Sea Eagles were denied the chance of a try after the referee ruled a forward pass from Brayden Wiliame to Lewis Brown.
The Sea Eagles were again denied a try on a forward pass call from a great flat pass by Cherry-Evans to winger Matthew Wright in the 34th minute. The Broncos took the 12-0 lead into half-time.
Second Half
An early penalty goal to Kahu saw the Broncos lead 14-0 before Milford used his agility and speed to beat three defenders to score his second try in the 50th minute. Kahu converted for a 20-0 lead.
Manly opened their account in the 56th minute when a short grubber kick by five-eighth Dylan Walker saw Martin Taupau plant the ball down to score. Jamie Lyon converted for a 20-6 scoreline.
The Broncos extended their lead to 24-6 when second-rower Sam Thaiday stepped Lyon and then pushed him off to score out wide. Kahu converted for a 26-6 lead after 61 minutes.
Sea Eagles forward Martin Taupau was placed on report for a lifting tackle on opposition second-rower Matt Gillett after the pair had a running battle.
The visitors went to a 30-6 lead when Oates dived over in the corner in the 71st minute.
