Manly Warringah Sea Eagles suffered a disappointing 38-12 loss to the Wests Tigers at Lottoland today in round six of the Telstra Premiership.
The match saw prop Taniela Paseka make his NRL debut for the Sea Eagles. The 200cm, 120kg forward joined the Sea Eagles in March last year after being granted a release from the Wests Tigers.
The loss leaves Manly with just two wins from six games and their first defeat at home this season. Wests Tigers have won five of their six matches.
In front of a crowd of 15,546, Wests Tigers opened the scoring in the sixth minute with a try to second-rower Chris Lawrence from a Luke Brooks grubber kick. Centre Esan Marsters converted the try for a 6-0 lead.
Six minutes later, Marsters extended the lead to 8-0 through a penalty goal next to the posts.
The Tigers went to a 12-0 lead when a crossfield run by Brooks saw centre Kevin Naiqama into open space before offloading to winger Malakai Watene-Zelezniak to score. Marsters converted for a 14-0 lead after 15 minutes.
Brooks then planted the ball down with one hand to score under the posts from dummy half for an 18-0 lead. Marsters converted for a 20-0 lead after 32 minutes.
The half-back then delivered a well time short pass to send five-eighth Benji Marshall over out wide. Marsters converted for a 26-0 lead after 36 minutes.
Marshall took the score to 30-0 when he stepped past the defence to score off the last tackle. Marsters converted for a 32-0 lead after 47 minutes.
Manly finally got on the board in the 54th minute when second-rower Joel Thompson crossed for his first try in Sea Eagles colours. Daly Cherry-Evans converted the try after his low kick saw the ball bounce over the crossbar for a 32-6 scoreline.
Sea Eagles winger Brad Parker crossed for his first try of the season in the 76th minute. Cherry-Evans converted from the sideline for a 32-12 scoreline.
Wests Tigers were awarded a penalty try to hooker Jacob Liddle after the bunker ruled Cherry-Evans held him back from a follow through kick. Marsters converted for a 38-12 lead.
The Sea Eagles play Parramatta Eels at ANZ Stadium next Sunday.
