Manly march over nothing Newcastle outfit as rookie No.7 shreds the game apart

Manly duly saluted on old boys day, putting on an attacking clinic at Brookvale for a resounding 44-6 Sunday session over Newcastle.

Newcastle were poor in all departments and left coach Adam O’Brien with a big headache, as defensive and attacking problems continue to loom over a lacklustre season.

Tom Trbojevic showed plenty of promise in just his second game following a return from injury, showcasing why the No.1 is best at the back. He was dynamic with ball in hand and complimented his fellow backs effectively.

Debutant Jamie Humphreys was outstanding as a halfback new to the NRL – seemingly equipped with plenty of first-grade experience and composure despite being just 22.

The game was with little malice, but a mass of controversy early on – as Humphreys crossed first after a clear forward pass, which was left unquestioned by the bunker due to review regulations.

“I don’t want to use that excuse (Origin players out), we’ve worked really hard at being a squad, but as I said the inexperience doesn’t help. I don’t think us as a whole help those young guys either,” Adam O’Brien said post game.

“It was evident in out contact before the game. It’s not only them, it’s me, I was a little bit lighter this week thinking it was a hard game in Canberra. We are not that team just yet, we need to make sure that we train steely every week.”

“It’s a cork (Marzhew). It just wasn’t getting better throughout the game, and they were having some joy on the side. It was blood in the water for him, they exposed it.

“I think there were signs of fatigue in our performance last week. The guys have been working hard and showing some of that grit, I just thought we’d lighten it up this week, but it started that way.”

Knights captain Tyson Frizell didn’t hold back.

“If I’m being honest, the whole game was pretty poor. It’s disappointing to come down here, we need to wipe that pretty quickly,” Frizell said.

Turbo warming up

Tom Trbojevic took a while to make his mark on the game, but he only lifted as the fixture went on.

Filling in at skipper for his Origin bound brother Jake, Turbo was the second to score for Manly. It was a vintage try for the high-flying fullback, who did just that to soar over a vulnerable Fletcher Sharpe.

Trbojevic followed through off a midfield bomb and leapt over the Newcastle No.1 – winding back the clock to that infamous Optus Stadium Origin performance.

He had 120 plus run metres, two line break assists and three try assists.

He linked up with Jason Saab in the first half to send the winger over, backed off quick hands and space.

Humphreys brought plenty of spark to Manly’s attack, finding the right man on each occasion and summing up many opportunities with a wise head.

Tommy Talau crossed before half time, all thanks to a cracking Luke Brooks cross-field kick and insane hands from Lehi Hopoate. Hopoate scored two tries and was dangerous all night – he looks a certainty to remain on the wing.

Nathan Brown was terrific, continuing to pour on effort and big shots. He is a cracking value buy for the Sea Eagles.

“We felt as though we had an advantage out there with our speed. We played how we wanted to play,” coach Anthony Seibold said post-game.

“We came with a plan and the guys executed really well. Turbo out the back of shape, speed with Reubs and Saaby, Tommy Talau and Hoppa.

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“It was nice to win on a really special day. Golden Eagles day is one we mark at the start of the year, to perform like that it was special,” Tom Trbojevic said.

“It was quite surreal really. I’ve grown up here, to go out there and lead this club, it’s real special. I thought the way that our middles and edges laid a platform, I don’t think it really matters where I play.”

More heartache for coach O’Brien

Despite a few jinking steps from rookies Will Pryce and Fletcher Sharpe, Newcastle were plain and average. Very average – embarrassing.

Jackson Hastings provided little for his side, while the forward pack were full of errors and lacked intent. Tyson Frizell crossed late for Newcastle’s sole try – but apart from that it was pain.

Greg Marzhew was practically absent post a leg twinge in the first half, where he failed to add impact and carry with aggression.

Phoenix Crossland and Jayden Brailey proved an odd combo – with the two seemingly competing for the No.9 gig but lacking cohesion when both on the field.

The Knights somehow manage to sit in 10th and have a shot at finals – but were even worse after a poor win last week.

Origin interim is back with a bang – and the Knights are losing bit time.

Bunker blow up

Rulings and regulations regarding forward passes much change in the NRL. Yes, Manly drubbed Newcastle. But the adjudication on the first try was nothing short of woeful.

Jason Saab found space on the right side and darted down the edge, finding Humphreys on the inside with a simple draw – but it was well and truly forward.

Referee Grant Atkins was in the perfect line of sight and still failed to make a call. The problem is, once the ref blows the whistle to signal a try, there is nothing the bunker can do about forward passes.

It was a ridiculous stuff-up from Atkins and there must be a change in bunkers being able to rule on dicey passes.

Newcastle were stripped of a try moments after the blunder, with Adam Elliott on the receiving end of a pass deemed forward. It was flat, and legal in comparison to Saabs’ pass.