NRL: Manly steamroll starless Broncos

Jamie Lyon of the Sea Eagles celebrates after scoring a try. Photo / Getty Images

Manly Sea Eagles 34
Brisbane Broncos 10

Manly's star-studded backline pulled out the party tricks to lap up life at their home away from Brookvale Oval tonight by steamrolling Brisbane 34-10.

Down 10-4 at halftime in their official home match at Suncorp Stadium, the Sea Eagles produced a second-half scoring spree to continue their NRL momentum and move to second place on the standings.

Highlighted by one of the tries of the season to Daly Cherry-Evans, Manly turned on the power to score five converted tries after the break against the understrength Broncos.

It was their sixth win from their last seven matches and also fourth straight against Brisbane at Suncorp Stadium.

Missing star trio Darren Lockyer, Sam Thaiday and Justin Hodges (hamstring), Brisbane's next generation wilted badly under pressure as they slumped to their third straight loss.

Also without Ben Hunt, Josh Hoffman and utility Matt Gillett, Brisbane's greenhorn backline boasted an average age of just 21 and struggled to contain the Sea Eagles, especially on the left side where Will Hopoate crossed for a double.

In contrast, six of Manly's seven backs have representative experience, and the odd man out, halfback Cherry-Evans, finished with two tries in a starring hand.

Like NSW centre Michael Jennings in Wednesday night's State of Origin clash, Jamie Lyon ended his 2011 try drought with a brilliant AFL-type mark over Gerard Beale to put his side ahead in the 51st minute.

But if that was eye-catching, it had nothing on fullback Brett Stewart's effort to scoop up a Kieran Foran banana grubber with one hand and then off-load to Cherry-Evans in the same diving action for a decisive 28-10 lead.

The Sea Eagles also dominated the bulk of the first half but were kicking themselves when they went into the sheds 10-4 down after failing to convert their pressure.

A lone try to Hopoate, punishing a fumble by his wing rival Yow Yeh, from a slick left-side play was all Manly had to show for their toil.

Steve Matai appeared set to score in the same corner just before the break but was held up for several seconds before Yow Yeh knocked the ball free just as the centre went to ground it.

Matai's frustration doubled moments later when he conceded a dubious penalty at the other end for blocking Dale Copley, allowing Parker to kick his third goal for the six-point lead.

Manly immediately returned a rejuvenated side after the break and Tony Williams started the procession when he dotted down after Anthony Watmough laid the groundwork.

MANLY 34 (D Cherry-Evans 2 W Hopoate 2 J Lyon T Williams tries J Lyon 5 goals) bt BRISBANE 10 (B Te'o try C Parker 3 goals) at Suncorp Stadium. Referee: Gerard Sutton, Ben Cummins.

- AAP