A two-try performance from Jake Trbojevic has spearheaded Manly to a 38-24 win over Brisbane that ended their five-game NRL losing streak.
Trbojevic crossed twice in the first half to help the Sea Eagles to a four-point lead on Saturday, before they kicked on after halftime with tries to Api Koroisau and Akuila Uate.
A magical Anthony Milford try from Kodi Nikorima’s chip kick in the 63rd minute gave the Suncorp Stadium crowd some hope, but Joel Thompson replied with his second four-pointer of the night to seal victory.
Jamayne Isaako scored a consolation try but it wasn’t enough as Trbojevic finished with a game-high 180 metres and 19 carries.
Brother Tom and halfback Daly Cherry-Evans also starred by playing a hand in five of their six tries.
The crucial win lifts the Sea Eagles from equal last to 12th spot on six points alongside Canterbury, North Queensland and Gold Coast, four points adrift of the top eight.
It also ended a run of six straight defeats – and 11 of their past 12 – away from Lottoland.
However the win may have come at a cost, with young forward Taniela Paseka limping off with a suspected knee injury following an awkward carry early in the second half.
Jake drew first blood early in the contest when he latched onto a Cherry-Evans grubber that was fumbled by both Nikorima and Jack Bird in the third minute.
The Broncos hit back through soft tries to Andrew McCullough and Sam Thaiday from close range, however the Sea Eagles responded with two of their own down their left edge.
Thompson first powered his way over before Trbojevic again latched onto an offload from his brother, giving the Sea Eagles an 18-14 advantage at the break.
The lead would’ve been bigger if not for a courageous trysaving tackle from Broncos rookie Payne Haas just moments after getting his dislocated shoulder popped back in by medical staff.
The 38 points is the most Brisbane have conceded through the opening ten rounds of the year.
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