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.
Joe
Roar Rookie
When the Manly team play like this they look like premiership contenders. The Turbo bros were outstanding, especially Tom who injected himself into the game at every opportunity. They weren't the only ones though as others like Koroisau, DCE, Thompson and the forwards all played very well. Just a really good team effort and some great attacking play. The Broncos were no pushovers, they played ok and were in it for a lot of the match but were out-enthused by the Manly boys. Was a pretty entertaining game.
jimmmy
Guest
Gee the Turbo boys are good to watch. Tom started poorly but recovered and looks dangerous every time he touched the ball. Manly too good.
kk
Guest
I love it when the underdog confounds the critics. Well done Manly.
Haradasun
Guest
Some good signs though. Our forward pack has plenty of go forward and it's good to see them just run and not look to hard for 2nd phase play all the time. Thompson had his best game for manly and dce played his best game in ages on the back of our forward dominance.
Forty Twenty
Guest
The early mistakes from Manly which let the opposition teams back in the game were dished up to the Broncos as well. The fans blow up about Manly taking home games away and I understand that fully but wouldn't it be great to have a proper stadium at Manly and a whole capital city as a potential fan base like the Broncos. I suspect there will be some big movement in the ladder as this season moves on but it's a big ask to make the 8 from here. They'll give it a good go though and we don't need anymore injuries.
Paul
Roar Guru
Brisbane ha everything in their favour, but were out enthused by an under strength Manly side. I can't see how they could either make the finals or be competitive if they do, based on this performance.