Sea Eagles are solid, Eels are without a spark

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Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles v Parramatta Eels

Daly Cherry-Evans put aside a week under the spotlight to direct the Manly Sea Eagles to a 26-12 win over the Parramatta Eels at a sold-out 4 Pines Park.

Earning a rousing reception from the 17,286 supporters in attendance after announcing his decision to depart the club at season's end, the Manly captain was efficient - without being spectacular - in guiding the Sea Eagles to back-to-back victories.

The loss continued a bleak to start to life under Jason Ryles for the Eels, as the winless side remained at the bottom of the premiership ladder following a performance lacking in energy. 

Opening the scoring after a forward pass denied Sean Russell first points, the Sea Eagles wasted little time in punishing their rivals with Jason Saab (8th minute) racing down the sideline and brushing aside Isaiah Iongi for his third try of the year.

Posting their second try in similar circumstances after an overpowered chip kick from Iongi gifted the Sea Eagles a seven-tackle set, a left-side sweep involving Ben and Tom Trbojevic saw Lehi Hopoate (16th minute) touch down out wide.

A penalty goal to Reuben Garrick, gifted after Dean Hawkins failed to kick a line drop out inside the shot clock, took the score out to 12-0, but despite their dominance over the opening quarter the Sea Eagles were unable to add to their tally for the remainder of the half.

Returning for the second half without Tom Trobojevic due to a suspected MCL injury, the Sea Eagles opted to push their lead beyond two converted tries with Garrick adding a second penalty goal. 

The Eels finally got on the scoreboard midway through the second half with Junior Paulo delivering a lovely pass to send fellow front-rower Joe Ofahengaue (55th minute) over for a rare four-pointer in his 200th NRL appearance.

A short ball from Luke Brooks to Corey Waddell (62nd minute) put an end to a fleeting Eels' comeback as Tolu Koula (67th minute) narrowly avoided the dead ball line to seal the result.

A try on the final play of the game to Shaun Lane (80th minute) did little to lift the Eels' spirits as the Sea Eagles recorded their sixth win from their past seven matches against the Eels at home.

Next week, the Sea Eagles host the Storm on Sunday afternoon, while the Eels will return home for a Saturday afternoon clash against the Dragons.