Tom Trbojevic has inspired Manly to a dominant victory over the Newcastle Knights in his return to the fullback position.
Just a week after lining up in the centres in his first game since Round 10, the star had a hand in every area of the Sea Eagles attack as they cruised to a 44-6 win on Old Boys' Day at 4 Pines Park.
Trbojevic's shift to the centres was short-lived after Tolu Koula suffered a knee injury in the side's victory over the Cowboys.
Tom Trbojevic Try
Sunday's performance showed they will be just as potent with the representative star at fullback. The primary goal now for Manly will be keeping Trbojevic healthy and on the field as they make a charge to the finals.
The Sea Eagles ran in eight tries to one in a lopsided affair and now sit seventh on the ladder. The Knights are on the outside looking in, falling to 10th and taking a heavy for and against hit in the process.
Both teams were undermanned as State of Origin and injuries hit the two sides during the week. The group of players unavailable was headlined by Manly duo Jake Trbojevic and Daly Cherry-Evans, while Newcastle trio Kalyn Ponga, Dane Gagai and Bradman Best were also in camp ahead of Wednesday's decider.
The Manly dominance started when debutant Jamie Humphreys crossed in just the fifth minute and there was little for Knights fans to celebrate until Tyson Frizell crashed over with seven minutes to play.
Match: Sea Eagles v Knights
Round 19 -
home Team
Sea Eagles
5th Position
away Team
Knights
10th Position
Venue: 4 Pines Park, Sydney
Stat Attack
- Fullback Tom Trbojevic captained the Sea Eagles for the first time in his career on Sunday afternoon.
- A sold-out crowd of 17,298 turned out for Manly's Old Boys' Day, with club legend Cliff Lyons presented with a '300 Club' ring before the game by NRL CEO Andrew Abdo
- Manly had seven separate try-scorers from their eight tries in the win, with only Lehi Hopoate crossing for a doble.
- Manly forward Nathan Brown was placed on report in the fifth minute while Newcastle's Daniel Saifiti was put on report in the 34th minute. Jackson Hastings was put on report in the 58th minute.
- Sea Eagles youngsters Jamie Humphreys and Clayton Faulalo made their NRL debuts in the win, with Humphries crossing for a try and kicking three goals.
- Manly have now won 10 of their past 12 games against the Knights at 4 Pines Park.
- They have also won six from seven at the ground this year.
- Newcastle halfback Jackson Hastings made his 100th NRL appearance in the loss.
Play of the Game
Tommy Talau Try
What They Said
Knights: Round 19
Sea Eagles: Round 19
