Latu Fainu and Kobe Fulton grab doubles in win

Two tries in seven minutes by exciting young five-eighth Latu Fainu saw the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles record a 24-14 win over the Illawarra Steelers today.

The round three NSW Cup SG Ball Cup match was played in very humid conditions at Aubrey Keech Reserve, Hinchinbrook.

Trailing by two late in the second half, Fainu showed his class and endless talent by taking the line on to score two fine tries that proved the difference in what was a tight contest for the majority of the match.

The Sea Eagles were strong defensively in the opening 10 minutes, stopping several Illawarra raids. The pressure eventually told with Illawarra scoring two tries in five minutes through lock Travis Barrett-Hancock and winger Te Umuariki Heremia-Tukere for an 8-0 lead after 20 minutes.

After coming close to scoring through centre Josh Feledy and winger Luke Tucker, the Sea Eagles opened their account when hooker Kobe Fulton darted from dummy half to score next to the posts. Half-back Tylor Bunting converted for an 8-6 scoreline which remained that way to half-time

Second half

Some strong pressure early in the second half by Manly paid off when Fulton crashed over for his second try. Bunting converted for a 12-8 lead after 38 minutes.

The Steelers then enjoyed a wealth of possession inside Manly's half before a mouse trap play from dummy half saw prop Ryan Couchman go over. Hooker Navajo Doyle converted to give Illawarra a 14-12 lead after 48 minutes.

Manly regained the lead with 16 minutes remaining when Fainu took the line on to get outside the defence to score in the corner. Bunting converted for an 18-14 lead.

Fainu then all but secured victory for the Sea Eagles when he finished off a nice backline play to score out wide. Bunting converted for the 24-14 scoreline with nine minutes remaining.

It was a tough hard fought victory for Coach Brett Fulton's men who finished strongly, just as they did in their round one 20-18 win over Canberra away.