Manly 20-18 Brisbane: Sea Eagles perform comeback to beat Broncos

Manly came from being 18-0 down to beat Brisbane 20-18 at Central Coast Stadium.

The Broncos started the game in fine fashion as Kotoni Staggs scored on his return to action, with Jamayne Isaako converting.

Papua New Guinea international Xavier Coates extended Brisbane’s lead in the 18th minute and Isaako’s conversion put Anthony Seibold’s side 12-0 ahead.

Darius Boyd scored Brisbane’s third on the half hour mark, with Isaako adding the extras.

Manly hit back with a try of their own just before the break as Tevita Funa scored on his NRL debut. Reuben Garrick failed to convert and the Broncos led 18-4 at the break.

The Sea Eagles shot out of the blocks in the second half, with captain Daly Cherry-Evans going over to reduce the deficit.

A quick passing move saw Moses Suli score for Manly in the 55th minute, with Garrick’s conversion seeing his side trail by just two points with 25 minutes left.

Two penalty goals from Garrick in the final quarter saw Manly go two points in front. Des Hasler’s Sea Eagles managed to hang on for a 20-18 victory against the Broncos.

Manly: T Trbojevic; Garrick, Parker, Suli, Funa; Walker, Cherry-Evans; Taupau, Levi, Paseka, Thompson, Waddell, J Trbojevic. Subs: Fonua-Blake, Croker, Keppie, Gosiewski.

Tries: Funa, Cherry-Evans, Suli Goals: Garrick 4/5

Brisbane: Isaako; Coates, Staggs, Boyd, Farnworth; Milford, Croft; Lodge, Paix, Haas, Oates, Ofahengaue, Carrigan. Subs: Niu, Te’o, Kennedy, Flegler.

Tries: Staggs, Coates, Boyd Goals: Isaako 3/3

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