NRL: Taufua shines as Manly down Rabbitohs

Jorge Taufua in action during the Sea Eagles' win over the Rabbitohs. Photo / Getty Images

Reigning premiers Manly have proven they're the real deal after snapping South Sydney's six-match winning streak with a tough 23-6 win in Gosford.

Young winger Jorge Taufua scored twice for the Sea Eagles as they ran in 23 unanswered points following Souths' opener just five minutes into the match.

The result means Souths drop to third on the NRL ladder with the Sea Eagles just behind him them in fourth.

Halfback Adam Reynolds continued to press his claims for rookie-of-the-year honours with a precise kick that allowed second-rower Chris McQueen to set up Sam Burgess for the opening try of the match.

But that was as good as it got for the Bunnies, with Dean Whare scoring just three minutes later to cut the deficit to two.

Taufua then scored his first of the night in the 34th minute before a Daly Cherry-Evans field goal on the stroke of halftime gave Manly a three-point lead at the break.

Brett Stewart and Kieran Foran combined to put Taufua over as Manly ran away with the game in the second half.

Reynolds tried to spark the Rabbitohs into life but their attack faltered and their winning run came to a sudden halt.

The result was put beyond doubt in the final 10 minutes when David Williams crossed for the Sea Eagles' fourth try after some great build-up play by skipper Jamie Lyon.

Hooker Matt Ballin then completed the win with his first try of 2012 in the final minute.