NRL: Manly keep their cool as Souths bounce back

Sea Eagles 30
Rabbitohs 22

Manly survived another late fade to beat South Sydney in their NRL clash at ANZ Stadium yesterday.

The Sea Eagles surrendered a 10-point lead against Gold Coast last week and had a 24-point buffer slashed to eight by the fast-finishing Rabbitohs.

But Manly held firm, scoring five tries to four to record their fifth win in their last six games.

They piled on 20 unanswered points either side of halftime to set up a massive 30-6 advantage.

Souths, who overcame a 24-6 deficit to beat Canberra last week, launched another stirring comeback.

They scored three tries and 16 straight points to cut the deficit to eight with seven minutes remaining.

Manly were more efficient and consistently dangerous and had a more effective kicking game.

The Sea Eagles scored three tries to one in the first half.

Michael Robertson notched his seventh try of the season in the fifth minute and fullback Ben Farrar then pounced on his own grubber kick.

Souths launched only one decent attacking raid in the first 25 minutes before giant forward David Taylor provided some much needed inspiration.

He twisted away from Manly skipper Jamie Lyon and crashed through attempted tackles from Tony Williams and Trent Hodkinson to score.

Hooker Issac's Luke's conversion cut the deficit to six points, but Manly scored the last eight points of the first half and the first 12 of the second period.

Matt Cross juggled the ball before powering his way over after Robertson knocked back a Hodkinson bomb.

Luke had a try disallowed for a double movement before Lyon completed the first half scoring with a late penalty.

Lyon was awarded a benefit of the doubt try by video referee Steve Clark within two minutes of the second half starting, after a bomb from Foran.

Matai set up Anthony Watmough in the 52nd minute and Lyon converted to give Manly a 30-6 lead.

Manly lost possession near their own line and Luke capitalised to score and centre Beau Champion crossed twice in four minutes as Souths launched their late but ultimately fruitless rally.

- AAP