Game Summary
The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup delivered a boilover at McDonald Jones Stadium in Round 25, as the last-placed Manly Warringah Sea Eagles stormed a 44-12 upset win over the third-placed Newcastle Knights - their first victory since Round One.
Manly struck within four minutes when former Knight Tex Hoy crossed out wide, though was unable to add the extras. Then the Knights hit back soon after when captain Brodie Jones crashed over from close range, with Connor Votano's conversion putting them ahead 6-4.
Hoy quickly doubled his try tally and added the two points to push the Sea Eagles to a 10-6 lead.
Jones hauled the Knights back into it completing a double of his own, finishing off a slick team try to level the scores. Votano's boot proved reliable once again as Newcastle took a 12-10 lead into half-time.
The turning point came immediately after the break when Manly ran in three unanswered tries in quick succession - including a Hoy banana kick that rebounded off the upright for Jermayne Cook - to surge into a 24-12 lead. Second-rower Jackson Shereb and five-eighth Ontoni Large also crossed in that time.
From there the margin kept growing. Samuel Loizou, Aaron Schoupp and Blake Wilson all crossed as Newcastle's completion rate declined, compounded by an injury to Wilson De Courcey and a late head knock forcing Brodie Jones from the field.
Manly closed out the rout with Shereb's second try in the final minute, sealing a 44-12 win that ended a winless run stretching back to the opening round.
Talking Points
Tex Hoy's homecoming performance against his old club was a standout display, finishing with a try double and influencing play with clever kicking throughout.
Newcastle's completion rate and discipline wasn't as strong as it has been for the majority of the season, handing Manly repeated attacking opportunities which they capitalised on.
Key Moment
Manly's momentum swung decisively early in the second half when Tex Hoy's banana kick rebounded fortuitously off the upright for a try, sparking a run of 30 unanswered points.
What's Next?
The Knights will look to regroup before finals in their last-round clash against Warriors, while the Sea Eagles hope to finish their season with back-to-back victories when they face St George Illawarra Dragons.
