Manly Warringah Sea Eagles recorded a strong 30-6 win over the Newcastle Knights at Lottoland today in round 20 of the Telstra Premiership.
In front of a crowd of 15,012, the Sea Eagles dominated the second half to take victory to remain in fifth place with five rounds remaining before the finals.
The match marked the return from injury of hooker Api Koroisau. .It was Koroisau’s 100th game in the NRL.
The Sea Eagles soaked up plenty of pressure in the opening 10 minutes before capitalising on their first real attacking opportunity through a try out wide to second-rower Curtis Sironen. Winger Reuben Garrick failed to convert from the sideline for a 4-0 lead after 12 minutes.
A crossfield by Daly Cherry-Evans saw the ball bounce high in-goal for Garrick to leap up and plant the ball down to score for an 8-0 lead after 25 minutes. Garrick failed to convert his own try.
The Knights hit back with a try to full-back Kalyn Ponga next to the posts in the 30th minute. Mason Lino converted for an 8-6 scoreline.
Half-time: Sea Eagles 8 Knights 6
The Sea Eagles were forced to do plenty of defensive work early in the second half but were rewarded for it when second-rower Joel Thompson spun his way out of a tackle to score in the 49th minute. Garrick converted for a 14-6 lead to Manly after 51 minutes.
Eight minutes later, Sea Eagles prop Martin Taupau used his strength and speed to push off several defenders to score next to the posts on the back of a strong Moses Suli run the tackle before. Garrick converted the try to give Manly a 20-6 lead after 60 minutes.
A well-timed run and pass by centre Brad Parker saw winger Jorge Taufua dive over in left corner for a 24-6 lead in the 66th minute. Garrick failed to convert the try from the sideline.
The Sea Eagles secured victory when Garrick crossed over for his second try from a cut out pass by Cherry-Evans to score.Garrick converted his own try for a 30-6 lead after 71 minutes.
