Manly Warringah Sea Eagles suffered a 26-22 loss to the Warriors at Lottoland tonight in round 13 of the Telstra Premiership.
The match marked the 400th premiership game for Manly Head Coach Des Hasler with the Sea Eagles missing second-rowers Joel Thompson (ankle) and Curtis Sironen (knee) through injury. It was the Warriors' first game at Lottoland since 2011.
The Warriors opened the scoring in the fourth minute when winger Patrick Herbert took a spectacular diving catch to score out wide off a crossfield kick by Kodi Nikorima for a 4-0 lead.
A left foot grubber kick by Warriors half-back Chanel Harris-Tavita saw second-rower Eliesa Katoa pounce to score in the 11th minute. Nikorima converted from next to the posts for a 10-0 lead.
The Warriors crossed for their third try when winger George Jennings crossed in the left corner four minutes later for a 14-0 lead. Nikorima converted from the sideline for a 16-0 lead.
Match Highlights: Sea Eagles v Warriors
The Sea Eagles were denied a possible penalty try by the bunker in the 20th minute when it was ruled Jake Trbojevic was tackled by Karl Lawton without the ball under the posts. Lawton was sent to the sin-bin.
Manly quickly took advantage of the extra space when quick hands to the left saw centre Tevita Funa cross a minute later. Reuben Garrick converted to leave the Sea Eagles trailing 16-6 after 23 minutes.
The Sea Eagles got back to 16-10 when half-back Daly Cherry-Evans put centre Moses Suli through a gap to score out wide in the 29th minute.
The Warriors took a 20-10 lead into half-time after Herbert dived over for his second try 17 seconds from the break.
A grubber kick by Nikorama saw centre Peta Hiku dive on the ball to score for a 24-10 lead five minutes after half-time. Herbert converted from out wide for a 26-10 lead.
The Warriors then had prop Jack Hetherington placed on report and sent to the sin bin in the 52nd minute after a high shot on Manly prop Martin Taupau, who was assisted from the field.
The Sea Eagles hit back when second-rower Haumole Olakau'atu stretched out his arm to plant the ball down near the posts for his first try in the NRL. Garrick converted to leave Manly trailing 26-16 after 58 minutes.
A great pass by Funa saw winger Jorge Taufua cross in the left corner in the 66th minute. Garrick converted from the sideline for a 26-22 scoreline.
Manly prop Addin Fonua-Blake left the field in the 20th minute. He will be checked for a knee injury.
The loss leaves the Sea Eagles in ninth place ahead of next Sunday's away match against the Newcastle Knights.
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