The nib Newcastle Knights have suffered a 30-6 defeat by the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles at McDonald Jones Stadium on Thursday night.
The match started in a frantic fashion when Chris Randall was placed on report for a high shot on Martin Tauapu.
After a tense opening, the Knights were the first to cross over through Dom Young in the 20th minute however, the try was disallowed because of an obstruction in the build-up. Young left the field after he was injured in the build-up.
The Sea Eagles made their way downfield and opened the scoring when a short ball from Dylan Walker found Andrew Davey who crashed over from close range.
Kalyn Ponga left the field in the 29th minute for a HIA and the Knights night became even tougher after Jirah Momoisea left the field with an arm injury.
Manly increased their lead when Daly Cherry-Evans put in a deft kick in behind the Knights' defence for Morgan Harper to latch onto. Garrick converted the try to give the Sea Eagles a 10-0 lead heading into the break.
The Knights started the second half brightly with Kalyn Ponga returning after passing his HIA.
Bradman Best continued to terrorise Manly on the left and soon broke through to pass inside for Tuala who found Ponga to score.
Sauaso Sue was penalised for an illegal strip on Sean Keppie and Garrick put Manly ahead 12-6 in the 65th minute with a penalty kick.
The Sea Eagles raced ahead to an 18-6 lead when Karl Lawton dived over under the posts.
Manly sealed the win when Dylan Walker put in a grubber kick which was latched onto by Haumole Olakau'atu.
Taniela Paseka added another try under the posts for the visitors in the closing stages of the contest to round out the win.
The Knights will look to use the longer turnaround to their advantage when they take on the Dragons next in Wollongong on Sunday 17th of April.
