A clinical Manly has handed Newcastle a 32-0 drubbing in their round two clash at Brookvale Oval on Sunday night.
The Sea Eagles were dominant in both attack and defence against a hapless Knights, who executed poorly. This provided Manly a plethora of opportunities via a litany of Newcastle handling errors.
Manly went to the half time break leading just 10-0 despite dominating possession. A sixth-minute try to Manly winger Jorge Taufua set the theme for the evening.
Jamie Lyon provided the highlight of the first half by leaping high above the Newcastle defence to score Manly’s second try in spectacular fashion.
Whilst the Knights were still managing to create opportunities, their execution was mediocre. The few sets that they did manage to complete were often finished with poor kick options.
An ankle ligament injury to promising Newcastle centre Dane Gagai early in the match did not help the Knights cause. Manly also lost Steve Matai just before half time after he injured his neck whilst making a tackle.
The second half started no better for Newcastle, when an early dropped ball was swooped upon by Joe Guluvao. He offloaded to Anthony Watmough who ran sixty metres to score.
The Knights also lost Willie Mason early in the half with a calf strain.
Manly completely outplayed Newcastle in the remainder of the match. The Knights’ poor completion rate (23 of 35) was telling and the Sea Eagles feasted on the extra possession.
Jorge Taufua scored his second try with a great show of strength in a one on one battle with Akuila Uate.
Manly’s third try of the second half was possibly the best all night. A backline movement saw Jamie Lyon in space.
Lyon kicked ahead with Brett Stewart looking as though he would be beaten to the ball by Newcastle’s Jeremy Smith. In a show of extreme determination Stewart made a lunge around Smith and got a fingertip to the ball to score.
The try was a reflection of proceedings. Manly looked hungry, Newcastle looked a step behind.
Manly iced the victory in the 79th minute with a Jorge Taufua hat-trick. Replacement centre Tom Symonds created the try with a rampaging run that attracted three defenders. Symonds offloaded to Taufua who topped off a night to remember with his third try.
Jamie Lyon converted from the sideline right on full time to finish with four from six with the boot.
Manly will be buoyed by the win and the fact that they kept the Knights scoreless.
Anthony Watmough was punishing in defence and a stand out for the Sea Eagles. Jamie Lyon was at his best in attack and his deft kicking game was a huge factor in the Manly win.
It will be back to the drawing board for Wayne Bennett and the Knights. They would need to improve considerably on their latest performance to be considered as serious contenders for the 2013 title.
Mals
Guest
Agreed Andy. The Sharks & Bunnies forward packs will be a good test as well.
eagleJack
Guest
Lawrence played well in patches last year for the Titans. After stringing a few good games together they even brought out this article about possible Origin eligibilty. Obviously not going to happen but a very, very handy player that I was more than happy to hear had joined Manly. http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/rise-of-gold-coast-titans-forward-brenton-lawrence-to-further-inflame-origin-eligibility-debate/story-e6frg6n6-1226398377152
planko
Roar Guru
I think he was at GC last year but Horo and Fa'oso are going well as well. Both Manly and Melbourne have been very good at bringing out the best in players that other clubs would have passed on.
Pot Stirrer
Guest
Where Did Lawrence come from ? I have been impressed with his 2 games so far, I think the Knights season will get undermined by their alves. Gidley is nt a H/B and Mullen will never put more than 2 good games together in a row.
Andy
Guest
It will be interesting to see how Manly's forwards compare to the dogs in a few weeks. Also, the match at Melbourne's home ground will be a hard test.
eagleJack
Guest
Great effort from the forwards last night with 5 of them running for over 100m. The most pleasing aspect of that was that within that group were the so called "average" recruits of Lawrence, Horo and Fa'aoso. I agree with Razza the Knights will bounce back. They are quality side but just came up against a determined Manly pack at Brookie.
Razza
Guest
It is pleasing to see the Eagles start the 2013 season with two wins up, a bit different to how they usually start, but a long way to go to September. I didn't see the match, but i did see the match against the Bronco's and i was really impressed by the Eagle's forwards in that match, but they need more forwards that unload the ball like George Rose does, if only Brent Kite would take a leaf out of George's book as he is a punishing attacker, but goes to ground with the ball too much, keep the ball alive where you can is my motto. No way i would skyte about the Knights being clean sheeted, it was just a game and on the night they were a bit out of it, but they are too good a team and they will be up there at the end of the season, just put it down to playing at Brookie. "GO THE EAGLES"
Avatar
Roar Guru
Brilliant one week, terrible the next. Newcastle lost by the same margin they defeated the Tigers be. How strange can rugby league be.
Lou
Guest
SMASHED!!! Early days but what a demolision job, dads army was just to quick, and there not even close to full strength , if the first two games are anything to go by not having Manly in the 8 is just plain stupid! Go MANLY. MOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO