Match Report: NSW Cup Round 2 vs Knights

A strong first half saw the Sea Eagles lead 18-12 before the Knights pulled away late in the game to remain undefeated after a 52-10 win over Souths in round one.

Manly went into the game on the back of a first up win over the Canberra Raiders under new Coach Brett Kimmorley.

The Knights opened the scoring in the sixth minute after finding a gap down the middle before spreading the ball wide for winger Logan Aoake to dive over for a 6-0 lead.

With the Knights keeping a close eye on talented half Joey Walsh, it was Manly hooker and captain Zach Dockar-Clay who caught the visitors napping on the last to send second-rower Jackson Shereb over for a 6-all scoreline after 15 minutes.

Dockar-Clay almost set up Manly’s second try when he put up a crossfield kick only for winger Blake Wilson to fumble the ball in trying to ground it.

However, Manly did score next when Walsh took the line on from 10 metres out to step past the defence to score for a 12-6 lead after 30 minutes.

A minute later, Walsh caught the Knights offside, and with options in front of him, put through a grubber kick to regather to send Clayton Faulalo, who then gifted a try in goal to lock D'Jazirhae Pua'avase for an 18-6 lead.

Manly were hard done by after the Knights were awarded a try in the corner despite the scoreboard showing time was up in the first half. The siren sounded seconds after the try was awarded with the Sea Eagles taking an 18-12 lead into the break.

The Knights started the second half perfectly, catching the Sea Eagles napping on their right edge with a long range try 25 seconds after the break to Tamakaimoana Whareaorere to trail 18-16.

Some outstanding work from winger Navren Willet saw second-rower Tom Summer dive over after the lanky winger leapt high to the ball before throwing a pass inside for a 22-16 lead to Manly after 47 minutes.

A penalty goal to Faulalo in the 52nd minute took Manly to a 24-16 lead before the Knights hit back with a try next to the posts to lock/captain Elijah Salesa-Leaumoana to leave the visitors trailing by two with 20 minutes to go.

The Knights regained the lead two minutes later through a try to winger James Schiller for a 28-24 scoreline.

Schiller grabbed his second a few minutes later when he swooped on a Tyson Gamble grubber kick to score for a 34-24 lead.

Newcastle secured victory when Mitch Henderson crossed with three minutes left before Salesa-Leaumoana grabbed his second off an intercept pass from Walsh for the 46-24 scoreline.

The Sea Eagles have a bye next weekend.