Despite having times with no players on the bench, the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles have pulled off one of their best modern victories over the St George Illawarra Dragons with a 30-14 win.
Things started ominously before kick-off for the Dragons with Moses Suli ruled out in the warm-up after suffering a hamstring injury seeing Christian Tuipulotu come into the side replacing Suli. The start looked promising for the Dragons as they opened up space on the Manly edge but a Ben Hunt kick just rolled meekly into touch away from the chasing Zac Lomax.
Manly though opened the scoring as Lehi Hopoate was able to beat the defence with his speed and get over first. Reuben Garrick pushed the conversion wide for the home side to lead 4-0.
The first of the Dragons tries was reminiscent of the opening try of the 2023 NRL Grand Final for Mitch Kenny, after the Sea Eagles went short for the dropout and the tap back favoured Dragons hooker Jacob Liddle who got the ball and had open space to the line.
The visitors were able to extend their lead as the Sea Eagles couldn't wrap up the ball and Kyle Flanagan was able to score and after the conversion the Red ‘V' had a 10-4 lead.
Injury concerns mounted for the Sea Eagles but they were still able to mount a big attacking raid and Haumole Olakau'atu went over and despite some obstruction concerns, the bunker gave it the all clear and the home side trailed 10-8 after the missed conversion.
The second half started good for the Dragons momentarily as Ben Hunt hit a perfect 40/20 kick to put the Red ‘V' into attack but an awful attacking kick put the Sea Eagles back into attack and it was the combination of Luke Brooks and Karl Lawton combining with Brooks putting Lawton into space before getting the ball back. The conversion from DCE put Manly into a 14-10 lead
The visitors were able to hit back not long after as Zac Lomax crossed but couldn't convert his own try to keep the scores locked up at 14 all.
Despite being hampered by injuries, the Sea Eagles just took control of the contest with DCE showing why he is one of the greatest players of the game. Manly sensed an opportunity down their right and even though it didn't work first time they continued to pepper that edge as the speed of the Lehi Hopoate to burst through and find Ben Trbojevic to score. DCE missed the conversion and the hosts lead 18-14.
The last twenty minutes was all the Sea Eagles as Daly Cherry-Evans took total control as he put the ball through with a pinpoint kick for his opposing Origin captain Jake Trbojevic to score under the posts.
Despite the Dragons having an effort denied by the bunker, the Sea Eagles pressure did not let up one bit as the magic of DCE was on show again as his kick for Jason Saab has was pinpoint along the ground and the big winder scored to seal the game for Manly.
Next week, Manly will be missing their key origin players up against South Sydney who also miss key players whilst the Dragons get the advantage of the bye.