Manly Warringah Sea Eagles recorded a convincing 52-20 win over South Sydney Rabbitohs at Lottoland today in round two of the Holden Cup competition.
It was the second straight win for the Sea Eagles under new coach Wayne Lambkin following a 38-20 win over Parramatta in round one.
The Sea Eagles withstood several attacking raids by Souths in the opening 10 minutes through some solid defence on their line.
The pressure told eventually when winger Rangi-Paoa Boyce crossed for a 4-0 lead to the Rabbitohs.
The try stung the Sea Eagles into action and the home side went on to score 18 unanswered points through tries to John Tuivasi, Tevita Funa, and Haumole Olakau’atu.
Funa converted all three tries and a penalty goal on half-time to give the Sea Eagles a 20-4 lead at half-time.
Second Half
South Sydney reduced the margin in the 43rd minute with a try to Keaon Kolomatang for a 24-8 scoreline before the Sea Eagles hit back with a second try to Funa for a 24-8 lead.
A try to Lucky Taavae under the posts saw Souths trail 24-14.
From there, the Sea Eagles piled on the points through tries to Tom Wright, Joseph Ma’u, a second to Olakauátu, and Josh Martin, before Souths scored a 90m intercept try for a 46-20 scoreline.
The Sea Eagles were not finished and hit the half century through a try to Amoni Tufui for the 52-20 win.
Holden Cup team
1 Luke Polselli
2 Bilal Maarbani
3 Tevita Funa
4 Blake Andrews
5 Alfred Smalley
21 Tom Wright
7 Manase Fainu
8 Jaiden Tarrant
6 Cade Cust
10 John Tasi Tuivaiti
11 Jesse Martin
12 Josh Martin
16 Haumole Olakau’atu
Interchange
14 Elia Faatui
15 Joseph Ma’u
17 Amoni Tufui
22 Trey Brown
