Manly destroy Newcastle in Gosford

The Manly Sea Eagles have destroyed the Newcastle Knights in Gosford tonight, running out 50-16 winners in a fast paced game.

Donning the jerseys they wore in the 1997 Grand Final, the Knights are to be commended for their early efforts, which saw them hold the Sea Eagles for much of the first 25 minutes and go close to scoring themselves.

But the final result was anything but similar to that day in September when Newcastle claimed their maiden premiership. With the internal problems playing out up in the Hunter region right now a loss of such magnitude is likely to intensify the pressure on beleaguered coach Brian Smith.

Focussing on the game, and after some early pressure the Sea Eagles went on the attack from a penalty in the Knight