Match Report: Pre-season Challenge vs Panthers

The Sea Eagles found themselves down 22-4 at half time after the Panthers ran in four tries to one in the first period.

Manly were first to score when winger Navren Willett finished off a sweeping backline play to make it 4-0 after seven minutes, with Reuben Garrick's conversion attempt bouncing off the far post.

The Panthers then went on a run, their first try scored by right winger David Fale who finished off a simple three on two short side play.

They were in again 15 minutes before half time when busy young half Trent Toelau stepped around Sea Eagles’ replacement lock Caleb Navale to make it 12-4.

Toelau was heavily involved in the next scoring play as well.  Following an intercept off their own line he put in a neat kick behind the Sea Eagles defensive line for left centre Tom Jenkins to put his side ahead 18-4.

It became 22-4 on the stroke of half time when a pinpoint kick from Toelau landed on the chest of Fale for the winger to grab his second.

Manly scored first in the second half when Lehi Hopoate, who started on the wing and was shifted to fullback, fed a nice ball for Raymond Tuaimalo Vaega to power his way to the line.

The Sea Eagles were in again minutes later when their two props combined from 30 metres out. 

Sio Siua Taukeiaho provided a neat ball to Ethan Bullemor who celebrated his 25th birthday with a try adjacent to the posts to bring the deficit back to just one converted try.

The Panthers hit back 18 minutes into the second half when they scored off another in goal kick, this time for edge forward Harrison Hassett.

Panthers prop Preston Riki then barged his way over with about six minutes remaining to put his side up 32-16 and put the game all but out of reach.

Vaega showed great strength to carry three Panthers over the line in the dying minutes, before the Panthers iced the 38-22 victory with a try on full time.