The Manly Sea Eagles have been defeated by the Parramatta Eels 52-20 in their Round 5 NYC clash at Ringrose Park.
Moved from Parramatta Stadium due to concerns over the playing surface, the NYC team were never able to gain any momentum in the game, and despite taking an early 6-0 lead, trailed 24-12 at half time.
The Eels laid on five second half tries to stretch their lead out to 52-20, as the Eagles struggled to contain the Parramatta attack.
Coach Luke Williamson was disappointed with the result, but despite the scoreline said that prop Justin Lemalu stood out as the best of a beaten bunch.
Lemalu scored a second half try and took the ball up with energy and intensity throughout the game, and has continued to be consistent performer over the last five weeks.
Winger Matt Ikavalu also scored two good tries down the wing, including the opening one of the game, while Jackson Williams scored in the first half to keep the Sea Eagles in the game at 12-12 before the Eels ran away with it.
Williamson said that the result was disappointing, but believes it is all a learning curve for his squad.
"We're playing well in patches at the moment,” Williamson said.
“We need to find that consistency, a realisation of what is required for the full 80 minutes."
The Sea Eagles now face a hot Penrith Panthers side on Monday night, searching for their first victory of the season, back at home at Brookvale Oval.
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