Sea Eagles soar to secure finals finish

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Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles v Newcastle Knights

The Manly Sea Eagles have secured a top eight berth after downing the Newcastle Knights 30-6 at Lottoland on Saturday afternoon.

Widely tipped to run last after a tumultuous end to 2018, the Sea Eagles produced a dominant second half to post six tries to one in a match played before 15,012 supporters to ensure a place in September.

Looking to back up last week's golden point victory over Melbourne, the Sea Eagles repelled early pressure from the Knights to open proceedings via a well-timed pass from Daly Cherry-Evans to send Curtis Sironen (12th minute) over for his fifth try of the season.

Getting out to an 8-0 lead midway through the first half, Reuben Garrick (26th minute) continued his impressive rookie campaign to touch down after a pinpoint kick from Cherry-Evans in the lead up.

Threatening to post points through Shaun Kenny-Dowall only for the Kiwi winger's hands to let him down, Newcastle superstar Kalyn Ponga (30th minute) took it upon himself to get the visitors back into the contest with a phenomenal display of footwork close to the line.

Going to the sheds up 8-6, the Sea Eagles capitalised shortly after a James Gavet error to move beyond a converted try after Joel Thompson (50th minute) touched down for a deserved four-pointer.

Securing the result on the hour mark, Martin Taupau (60th minute) exposed Newcastle's retreating defence before Jorge Taufua (66th minute) continued his try-scoring dominance with his 11th try from nine clashes against the Knights.

Rounding out proceedings with Garrick (70th minute) crossing for his second try of the afternoon, the Sea Eagles held their opponents scoreless in the second half to secure the 30-6 result.

As a result of the win Manly will remain in fifth position on for-and-against after securing their 17th win from 20 clashes against Newcastle at Lottoland, while for the second time this season the Knights recorded five consecutive losses to top off a dismal week that saw centre Jesse Ramien part ways with the club.

Next week, the Sea Eagles face the Warriors at Mt Smart Stadium on Friday night, while the Knights travel to Bankwest Stadium on Saturday evening to take on the Eels.