Match Report: Jersey Flegg Cup Round 14 vs Souths

The Rabbitohs ran in three first half tries to lead 18-6 at the break before going on with the job in Manly’s first home game at Brookvale since mid-March.

South Sydney opened the scoring in the third minute when prop Elijah Keung charged over with three defenders on him in a 10 metre run for a 6-0 lead.

After soaking up plenty of defensive pressure in their own quarter, the Sea Eagles hit back with a superb solo try to impressive young hooker Zaidas Muagututia after he split the defence in a 40 metre run for a 6-all scoreline after 19 minutes.

The Rabbitohs went to a 12-6 lead six minutes later when centre Dayne Jennings sliced through a hole out wide.

South Sydney took an 18-6 lead into half-time after second-rower Phillip Lavakeiaho crossed out wide in the 33rdminute.

The visitors extended their lead to 24-6 nine minutes after half-time when lock Benjamin Geary ran through some poor defence after half-back Matthew Humphries was allowed to stand in a tackle to offload.

Some quick hands to the left saw South Sydney cross again in the 54th minute through centre Assariah Lenoy Sam for a 30-6 lead.

Humphries again tormented Manly when he managed a flick pass to send Jennings over out wide for a 34-6 lead after 59 minutes.

Muagututia grabbed his second try when he planted his hand on a grubber kick from hooker Billy Thompson just a metre out from the dead ball line to leave Manly trailing 34-12 with 17 minutes remaining.

The Rabbitohs took a 40-12 lead six minutes out from full-time when winger Caleb Cresswell strolled over in the corner after Humphries and full-back Charlie Poynton combined.

Cresswell then scored his second try in the corner two minutes later for a 46-12 lead after more good work from Poynton.

The winger could have crossed for a hat-trick a minute later but bounced the ball over the line in trying to score.

The loss leaves Manly with two wins from 11 games. The Sea Eagles have a bye next weekend.