The Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles have announced themselves as a top team in the NRL, easily disposing of the Parramatta Eels by 22 points at Bankwest Stadium.
The game was marked by the saddening news that Manly legend Bob Fulton had passed away, with the two teams and those in attendance observing a minutes silence in memory of the great man.
Manly would show great spirit throughout the day, encapsulated in the first 10 minutes when they turned away a determined Parramatta attack. They would then streak up the field off a set restart before swinging it left and exposing the Parramatta right side defence, namely Waqa Blake, for the first of many times. Brad Parker was the tryscorer.
The Eels would give their fans some false hope at the 15 minute mark when they hit straight back through Clint Gutherson, who took advantage of an innovative offload from cult hero Isaiah Papali'i to streak over and level the scores.
The Eels had an opportunity to hit the front, but made too many relieving mistakes and allowed Manly to get a roll on. Karl Lawton made an immediate impact in his first game as a Sea Eagle, muscling his way over close to the line to make it 12-6 after the conversion.
The rest of the half was an arm wrestle, with Manly doing well to defend with 12 men after Lawton was sent to the bin for a high shot.
Then, right on half time, Manly scored through some expansive play early in the tackle count, with Garrick putting in a kick that bounced favourably for Brad Parker, who after executing an outstanding pickup had his second try of the day.
Early in the second half, both teams claimed tries, with Ferguson making a try saver on Garrick before Mahoney was denied due to being offside.
Garrick wouldn't be denied a second time, finishing off a sweeping play that included a peach of a pass from Schuster.
The Eels were never really a chance after that, getting frustrated in attack on multiple occasions and allowing themselves to be dominated by the opposing forward pack.
Manly scored another try right on full time to make the final scoreline 28-6.
Next week, the Eels face another tough assignment against Souths, while Manly will travel to Newy to take on the Knights.